Sri Lankan delegation participating in 4th World Buddhist Forum in China

The 4th World Buddhist Forum, jointly organised by the Buddhist Association of China (BAC) and the China Religious Cultural Communication Association (CRCCA), was successfully held from 24-25 October in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province of China. 

Over 1,000 Buddhist monks and scholars from 52 countries and regions attended the forum. The Sri Lankan delegation, jointly supported by the BAC, CRCCA and the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka, consisting of 25 members, was the largest one among all delegations and included the Most. Ven. Galagama Aththadassi Thero, Mahanayake Thero of Asgiriya Chapter, Most Ven. Davuldena Gnanissara Thero, Mahanayake Thero of Amarapura Chapter, Hon. Praddep Nilanga Dela, Lay Custodian of Sri Dalada Maligawa, Most Ven. Dimbulkumbure Wimaladhamma Thero, Anunayake Thero of Malwatta Chapter, Most Ven. Kollupitiye Mahinda Thero, Chief Prelate of Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, Hon. Deputy Minister H.R.S. Dushmantha and Secretary Wasantha Ekanayake from the Ministry of Justice and Buddhist Affairs. The theme of the forum was ‘Common Aspiration, Common Action - Embracing Exchanges and Mutual Learning’. The event aimed at discussing the positive role of Buddhist thought in solving the problems that affect the lives and development of human beings. 

Yu Zhengsheng, Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), delivered a congratulation message to the opening ceremony of the forum, emphasising that Buddhism was an example of mutual learning between cultures and important for peace and development. He called on world Buddhist communities to work together in interpreting Buddhist tenets and traditions as well as taking social responsibility in a manner that matches the times.

The Sri Lankan delegation was warmly received by Most Ven. Xue Cheng, President of BAC. While meeting with the delegation, Xue stated that China attached great importance to friendly Buddhist exchange and cooperation with Sri Lanka and appreciated the support from the Sri Lankan community for the organisation of the forum. 

The BAC is ready to work with the Sri Lankan Buddhist community to further promote and deepen the existing traditional friendship between the two peoples and two countries. Most Ven. Davuldena Gnanissara Thero, the Mahanayake Thero of Amarapura Chapter on behalf of the Sri Lankan Buddhist community, appreciated the mutual support that existed between the Chinese and Sri Lankan Buddhist communities. The Mahanayake Thero also stated that Buddhist groups from Sri Lanka visited China twice and introduced Bhikkhus ordination to the Chinese Buddhist community.  The Mahanayake Thero sincerely hoped to make a joint effort with the Chinese side to promote Buddhist development in Asia and all over the world.

During their tour, the Sri Lankan delegation also paid visits to Guangxi and Guangdong provinces of China for a better understanding about Buddhist development as well as economic and social development.