The 13th Executive Council Meeting of the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace was held at the Sri Sambodhi Viharaya in Colombo yesterday, with delegates of other Asian Buddhist nations joining via Zoom technology. Here President Gotabaya Rajapaksa participates in religious observances before the commencement of proceedings with Viharadhipathi Ven. Boralande Vajiragnana Thera. Left: The Maha Sangha at the conference. Pictures by President’s Media Division
The 13th Executive Council Meeting of the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace was held with the participation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at Sri Sambodhi Viharaya in Colombo 7 yesterday (14).
After World War II, Buddhist leaders focused on the need for an international Buddhist organisation aimed at promoting unity. Consequently, Buddhist laity and clergy gathered at Maha Viharaya in Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia on June 13, 1970 to hold the first meeting of the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace. The second Conference was held in Sri Lanka. At present, all the Buddhist countries in the world are members of this organisation.
Sri Lanka hosted the 13th Executive Council Meeting. The Asian Buddhist Conference observed that acting as the host country in the face of Corona pandemic will bring special honour to Sri Lanka and result in forming closer ties with other countries.
Representatives of 25 countries joined today’s conference via Zoom.
Before attending the Conference the President engaged in religious rituals at the Sri Sambodhi Viharaya.
Ven. Prof. Medagoda Abhayatissa Thera explained the objectives of the Conference.
Anunayake of the Malwathu Chapter Most Ven. Niyangoda Vijithasiri Thera delivered the main speech on the “Responsibility of Buddhists in the face of COVID-19”.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe.
Prime Minister of Mongolia Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh addressed the gathering via video technology. The final speech in the first session was delivered by Ven. Dr. Maitipe Wimalasara Thera. Following the opening of the Conference President Rajapaksa called on the Chief Incumbent of Sri Sambodhi Viharaya Ven. Boralande Vajiragnana Nayake Thera.
The Maha Sangha representing the three Chapters, Principal Advisor to the President Lalith Weeratunga and local and foreign Buddhist representatives were present.
