Sri Lanka made a strong presence at the International Buddhist Forum held in Tuva, Russian Federation, from August 18 to 21, 2026, with a high‑level delegation led by Minister of Culture Hiniduma Sunil Senevi.
Addressing the Opening Ceremony and Plenary Session, Minister Hiniduma Sunil Senevi underscored Sri Lanka’s historic role in preserving and disseminating Buddhism, highlighting its position as a leading custodian of the Theravada tradition.
The delegation included Commissioner General of the Department of Buddhist Affairs Gamini Senerathne, Senior Lecturer at the Pali and Buddhist University Saman Peramuna, Editor‑in‑Chief of the National Encyclopedia Dr. Ranjana Senasinghe, and Embassy Counsellor Mihiravi Dissanayake.
They joined panel discussions on Buddhism and ecology, Buddhist tourism, translation of Buddhist texts, and temple architecture, strengthening Sri Lanka’s engagement with the Russian Buddhist community and international institutions.
The Buddhist clergy delegation featured Ven. Rajangane Piyadassi Thero of Pepiliyana Sunethradevi Pirivena, Ven. Rakwane Gnanaseeha Thero of Chittaviveka Monastery, and clergy from Jetavana Monastery. They contributed perspectives on Buddhism and consciousness, traditional medicine, and State relations, while also conducting meditation sessions and Dhamma discourses.
The Forum, held under the patronage of President Vladimir Putin, drew more than 600 delegates from across Asia, Europe, and Africa, including religious leaders, diplomats, scholars, and researchers. It rotates annually among Russia’s Buddhist regions, Buryatia, Kalmykia, and Tuva.
On the sidelines, Minister Senevi met Tuva’s Minister of Culture Viktor Chikzhit to discuss cultural and religious cooperation, including exchanges between monastic and academic institutions. He also gave interviews to TASS and Russia‑24, speaking on Buddhism’s role in Sri Lanka’s cultural identity and proposing a “New Literary Cultural Triangle” for Eurasian cultural collaboration.
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Moscow said it looks forward to continued participation in future editions of the Forum, positioning Sri Lanka as a hub of Theravada Buddhist heritage and international dialogue. (Newswire)