A delegation of Buddhist monks and Hindu priests has visited the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for a religious forum, marking the first-ever visit by other religious leaders to the Kingdom.
The Sri Lankan Embassy in Riyadh said a delegation led by the Most Venerable Banagala Upatissa Thero, President of the Mahabodhi Society of Sri Lanka and Chief Sangha Nayaka for Japan, Chief Priest–Lankaji Temple, Japan & Chief Priest-Sanchi Chethiyagiri Viharaya, India, Kurukkal Ramachandra Iyer of the Hindu Religious Department and Ven. Koswatte Palitha Thero visited Saudi Arabia from the 9th to the 13th of May 2022.
The monks and priests visited the kingdom on the invitation extended by Sheikh Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al- Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League and President of the Organisation of Muslim Scholars to participate in the Forum titled “Promoting Common Values Among the followers of Religions”, organized by the Muslim World League, an International Islamic Non-Governmental Organisation based in Mecca, Saudi Arabia meant for religious leaders and senior scholars.
The Most Venerable Banagala Upatissa Thero, addressed the above Forum convened on 11 May at the prestigious Ritz Carlton Hotel in Riyadh. At his address, Most Ven. Banagala Upatissa Thero focused his attention on the similarity between the teaching of Lord Buddha and teaching and practices in the Islamic faith.
He stated that “Many people would be shocked to think of Islam and Buddism being comparable in any way and yet if you look closely at their teachings, and their efforts towards peace, they are more similar than one may suspect”. Further elaborating on the teaching of Lord Buddha, the Most Venerable Thero said “Buddhist philosophy is really important for world peace. The mantras and philosophy are valid and useful in everyone’s life not only for Buddhists”.
During his stay in Riyadh, the Venerable Thero also spoke to a few Sri Lankan community members about religious tolerance and understanding. He stressed the importance of positive contributions by the Sri Lankans living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at a time when Sri Lanka faces a critical economic situation.
The Most Venerable Thero also took part in the Vesak Celebration at the Sri Lanka Embassy premises on the 13 May organized by the Sri Lanka Cultural Forum together with the Sri Lankan community in Riyadh which included a Bodhi Pooja, and a Cultural performance by the students of the Daham Pasala. The Most Venerable monk hailed the Sri Lankan community in Riyadh for scaling down the Vasak celebrations this time and diverting the resources meant for the celebrations for the needy people in Sri Lanka.
He also took part in the Dhana (Almsgiving) which was organized at the Embassy on 12 May. (NewsWire)