Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga has called for urgent reforms to safeguard Buddhism in Sri Lanka, warning that repeated allegations of misconduct involving members of the clergy are eroding public trust, particularly among young people.

In a special video statement, Kumaratunga said many people who love the country are deeply concerned by recent incidents involving Buddhist monks. She referred to reports of monks being arrested over alleged drug-related offences and allegations that a chief incumbent of eight prominent Buddhist temples had sexually abused a young girl over a period of two years.

She said such incidents have shaken the confidence of many Buddhists and warned that the loss of faith in religious institutions could have serious consequences for society, particularly among the younger generation.

Kumaratunga also expressed disappointment that, according to her, political leaders had largely remained silent on the issues despite its significance.

She said she had written to senior Buddhist prelates urging them to take the lead in introducing reforms within the Buddhist clergy. According to Kumaratunga, the proposal was received positively, and she suggested forming a committee comprising senior monks, civil society representatives and other religious leaders to recommend reforms.

The former President also called on the government to enact the necessary legal framework to implement the proposed recommendations, saying stronger mechanisms are needed to protect the Buddha Sasana and restore public confidence.

She urged the public not to remain silent in the face of wrongdoing, stressing that safeguarding religious institutions is a shared responsibility of both leaders and citizens. (Newswire)

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The Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Bangkok, together with the visiting Sri Lankan delegation, recently engaged in a meeting with the Office of National Buddhism of Thailand, a central government agency under the Prime Minister’s Office. 

According to the Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Bangkok, the Office of National Buddhism of Thailand is responsible for the administration of Buddhism in the country.

The Sri Lankan delegation was led by Chief Incumbent of the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo, the Most Venerable, Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thero. The visiting dignitaries called on the Acting Director of the Secretariat Office of the Sangha Supreme Council, Associate Professor Dr. Chachapon Jayaphorn.

The interaction focused on the deep-rooted cultural and religious linkages shared by Sri Lanka and Thailand through Theravada Buddhism and explored avenues to expand ongoing cultural & religious collaboration between the two countries.

Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to Thailand, Wijayanthi Edirisinghe, highlighted the significant achievements of cultural and religious ties with Thailand and events which were organised for the commemoration of 70 years marking diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Thailand this year. Dr. Jayaphorn assured that the fullest support will be extended for future activities organized for strengthening religious and cultural ties.

The Ven. Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thero even extended an invitation for a high-level representation of the Government of Thailand to participate in the Nawam Perahera to be organized in Colombo in February 2026. 

The meeting was attended by Chairman, Task Force for Tourism (Western Province), Dr. Dulan Hettiarachchi, Minister Counsellor and Head of Chancery, Thilini Ihalage, and Minister Counsellor/Commerce of the Mission, Shiwanthi Abeyrathne. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Police have warned relatives of individuals who had attended religious preachings by Ruwan Prasanna Gunaratne to be vigilant of self-harm.

The warning comes after seven incidents of suicides had been reported across Sri Lanka related to the said religious preachings. 

Investigations have revealed that 47-year-old Ruwan Prasanna Gunaratne had conducted preachings while promoting suicide for the next birth soon. 

Gunaratne, who had conducted such preachings in several parts of Sri Lanka, recently died by suicide at his residence in Homaga on December 28, 2023. He was found to have consumed some form of chemicals similar to cyanide. 

His wife and three children had also died by suicide, similarly, following the funeral of Gunaratne on December 30, 2023. 

Police investigations led to the interrogation of a 34-year-old man from Ambalangoda, who had attended the funeral of Gunaratne.

Interrogations had then revealed Gunaratne’s preachings of death by suicide. 

Following the interrogations, the Police found the 34-year-old man from Ambalangoda dead inside a lodge in Maharagama, also in a similar manner to the death of Gunaratne. 

Meanwhile, a 21-year-old woman who had attended the funeral of Gunaratne’s family has also been found dead, in a similar manner to the preacher and his family.

The girl, who had received admission to the Ruhuna University, was found dead at her residence in Yakkala, while investigations have revealed that she too had followed the preachings of Gunaratne. 

The Police yesterday (Jan 03) interrogated several individuals who had attended the preachings of Gunaratne, while inquiries are underway to ascertain if the man had distributed chemicals similar to cyanide to his followers. 

The public has been requested not to fall victim to such religious preachings and for relatives of those who attended the preachings to remain vigilant on any possible self-harm based on the preachings. (NewsWire)

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A Sri Lankan monk identifying himself as ‘Sri Vishva Buddha’ has been apprehended for making various statements related to Buddhism on social media.

According to reports, the monk’s social media posts contain content deemed disrespectful to Buddhism.

Based on a complaint filed with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), the monk was arrested in Kalagedihena in the Gampaha District last evening. 

The arrested individual has been identified as a 34-year-old resident of Ratnapura.

He will be produced before the Fort Magistrate’s Court today. (NewsWire)

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The Government of India has provided a grant of US$ 15 million to the Government of Sri Lanka to bolster the longstanding Buddhist connections between the two nations.

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), in a significant event held in Colombo, the exchange of bilateral documents took centre stage, marking the initiation of projects supported by the grant from India. 

This grant is specifically allocated to bolster the longstanding Buddhist connections between India and Sri Lanka, underscoring the deep historical and cultural ties that bind these two nations together.

The signing of the bilateral agreements took place at the President’s House in Colombo yesterday (Nov 02). President Wickremesinghe and visiting Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman engaged in lengthy bilateral discussions during this event.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of this substantial grant underscores the significance of strengthening Buddhist linkages between the two countries. The grant could be allocated towards various initiatives, including the construction and renovation of Buddhist monasteries, capacity development, cultural exchange, archaeological cooperation, reciprocal exhibition of relics and other areas of mutual interest.

In recognition of the evolving economic landscape in Sri Lanka, both countries have agreed to recalibrate the grant amount from Sri Lankan Rupees to Indian Rupees, aligning it with the prevailing market conditions. This adjustment is being formalized through diplomatic Letters of Exchange and Acceptance, signifying a shared commitment to further enhancing these ties.

High Commissioner of India, Gopal Baglay and Secretary of the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Somaratne Vidanapathirana, played pivotal roles in exchanging these documents, and this momentous occasion was witnessed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Finance Minister of India Nirmala Sitaraman.

The first project to be initiated under the USD 15 million grant is the solar electrification of religious sites across Sri Lanka, with an allocation of USD 10 million. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for this significant project was jointly finalized by the governments of India and Sri Lanka.

This event was graced by the presence of Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Vidura Wickramanayaka, Minister of Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development Jeewan Thondaman, Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Bhaglay, Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Staff to the President Sagala Ratnayaka, Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake, Governor of the Central Bank Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Dr. R.H.S. Samaratunga, Senior Economic Advisor to the President, Secretary to the Treasury and the Ministry of Finance K. M. Mahinda Siriwardana, Secretary to the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Somaratne Vidanapathirana, Members of the Indian High Commission, members of the visiting Indian delegation, Foreign Ministry officials and High-level Government officials. (NewsWire)

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President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced the implementation of an Artificial Intelligence program to promote Theravada Buddhism on an international scale. 

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the President reaffirmed his dedication to securing and promoting Theravada Buddhism on an international scale. 

The President said the Artificial Intelligence program will be implemented to support these efforts, collaborating with educated individuals under the guidance of the Maha Sangha of the three chapters. 

President Wickremesinghe made this statement in Matale during the 73rd National Upasampada Vinaya Karma Inaugural Ceremony of the Maha Viharavanshika Sri Lanka Ramanya Maha Nikaya, where 300 novice monks attained the higher ordination of Upasampada Sheela.

During the event, President Wickremesinghe conferred the “Philosophy Scholar Degrees,” Sri Sannaspatha, and Vijinipatha to the Most Venerable Makulewe Vimala Nayaka Thero of the Ramanya Maha Nikaya. 

Additionally, he presented Sannaspatras to Ven. Mugunewela Anuruddha Thero and Ven. Mugunewela Anuruddha, the Chancellor of Uva Wellassa University. 

In honour of his participation in the 73rd Upasampada Vinaya Karma of the Sri Lanka Ramanya Maha Nikaya, the President was bestowed with a commemorative gift. 

Furthermore, the Ramanya Maha Nikaya presented the “Patipada Sasthriya Sangraha” to both the Mahanayake Thero and President Wickremesinghe. 

The 73rd National Upasampada Discipline of the Sri Lanka Ramanya Maha Nikaya will be held from July 20th to July 27th at the Sudu Ganga Udakukkhepa Seminary in Matale Bandarapola.

The PMD stated that amidst the religious rituals, the Maha Sangha offered blessings and Seth Pirith Sajjayana to the President. 

Engaging warmly with the attendees, President Wickremesinghe sought to learn more about their experiences and concerns.

The full statement of President Ranil Wickremesinghe;

“With immense joy, I partake in the auspicious 73rd Upasampada Mahotsava of Ramanya Maha Nikaya. My heartfelt gratitude goes to the Lords and the Donor Council for accommodating my presence, despite my ongoing official visit to India to strengthen bilateral relations.

During this visit, I express my sincere appreciation to the Indian government for its unwavering support during our country’s economic challenges. The ties between our nations are crucial for mutual growth and prosperity.

The Upasampada festival held by Ramanya Maha Nikaya in Matale holds profound significance for Buddhists, as this city plays a vital role in Buddhist history. It was at the Matale temple where the first steps were taken to enshrine and protect the Tripitaka—the sacred scriptures of Buddhism. As a government, we remain devoted to safeguarding the Tripitaka, for its preservation is synonymous with preserving the Noble Truth. Being a Buddhist nation, it is our earnest endeavour to promote Buddhism globally and share its wisdom with the world.

The Tripitaka holds significance in both Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism, with the Chinese-printed Mahayana Tripitaka, containing the Lotus Sutra, considered the world’s first printed text. Today, with advancements in technology, we can utilize Artificial Intelligence to protect and propagate the Dharma more effectively.

By inputting vast amounts of Buddhist data into Artificial Intelligence systems, we enable them to answer any questions about Buddhism accurately. This technology can provide insights into historical figures like King Dutugemunu and Queen Victoria, demonstrating its potential to enhance our understanding of Buddhist teachings.

Buddhism, unlike many religions, centers on the Dharma – a philosophy that one can choose to follow or not. By aligning with the Dharma, one can explore its depth and meaning. As we embrace the advancements in Artificial Intelligence, we must consider whether it may pose challenges or opportunities in the future.

Instances of distorted religious information on social media platforms, such as the case of Zen Buddhism in Japan, highlight the need to address these inaccuracies. While regulating such content legally proves challenging, it is essential for society to be vigilant and mindful of these distortions across all religions, including Buddhism and Christianity.

As we navigate the digital age, we must strive to use modern technology responsibly, ensuring that the core teachings of Buddhism and other religions remain intact, free from misrepresentation or manipulation.

To propel the dissemination of Theravada Buddhism globally through Artificial Intelligence, we recognize the need for thorough investigation and understanding. As a testament to our commitment, we have allocated 200 million rupees for these endeavours, with the flexibility to secure additional funding as required.

Our primary focus lies in utilizing Artificial Intelligence to spread the teachings of Theravada Buddhism worldwide. In this pursuit, a comprehensive analysis of Abhidharma is also on the agenda. We seek the invaluable guidance of the esteemed Maha Sangha to navigate this program successfully and, therefore, extend a cordial invitation to them for their invaluable insights.

In today’s digital age, religious reading habits have shifted, with fewer people engaging with traditional texts like the Bible and Tripitaka and instead resorting to social media browsing on their mobile devices. As Sri Lanka remains steadfast in its dedication to safeguarding Theravada Buddhism, we aspire to carry forward this noble cause by embracing Artificial Intelligence and collaborating with an educated and enlightened community.

To facilitate this mission, the President’s Secretary and the Secretary of the Buddha Shasana Ministry have been appointed to coordinate and lead these activities. We encourage all stakeholders to actively participate in discussions, ensuring the seamless progression of our efforts.

Together, with the integration of Artificial Intelligence and the wisdom of the Maha Sangha, we embark on a journey to preserve and propagate Theravada Buddhism, fostering its outreach and influence on a global scale.” (NewsWire)

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the inaugural session of the Global Buddhist Summit in Delhi on Thursday, his office said.

The two-day summit is being hosted by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation on April 20 and 21. The theme of the summit is “Responses to Contemporary Challenges: Philosophy to Praxis”, it said.

The summit is an effort towards engaging the global “Buddhist Dhamma” leadership and scholars on the matters of Buddhist and universal concerns, and to come up with policy inputs to address them collectively. The discussion at the summit will explore how the Buddha Dhamma’s fundamental values can provide inspiration and guidance in contemporary settings, it added.

The summit will witness the participation of eminent scholars, Sangha leaders and Dharma practitioners from all over the world, who will discuss pressing global issues and look for answers in the Buddha Dhamma that is based on universal values, the PM’s Office said.

“The discussions will be held under four themes: Buddha Dhamma and Peace; Buddha Dhamma: Environmental Crisis, Health and Sustainability; Preservation of Nalanda Buddhist Tradition; Buddha Dhamma Pilgrimage, Living Heritage and Buddha Relics: a resilient foundation to India’s centuries-old cultural links to countries in South, South-East and East Asia,” it added. (NDTV)

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the Global Buddhist Summit brings together people, who have worked to popularise the ideals of Lord Buddha further.

Prime Minister Modi took to Twitter to say,” At 10 am tomorrow, 20th April, will address the Global Buddhist Summit in Delhi. This Summit brings together various people who have worked to popularise the ideals of Lord Buddha further”.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the inaugural session of the Global Buddhist Summit on 20th April 2023 at 10 AM at Hotel Ashok in Delhi,” stated a press release.

The theme of the event Global Buddhist Summit is ‘Responses to Contemporary Challenges: Philosophy to Praxis.’

“The two-day Summit is being hosted by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with International Buddhist Confederation on 20-21 April. The theme of the Global Buddhist Summit is “Responses to Contemporary Challenges: Philosophy to Praxis,” the release added.

The discussions at summit will revolve around the fundamental values of Lord Buddha’s Dhammas.

“The Summit is an effort towards engaging the global Buddhist Dhamma leadership and scholars on matters of Buddhist and universal concerns, and to come up with policy inputs to address them collectively. The discussion at the Summit will explore how the Buddha Dhamma’s fundamental values can provide inspiration and guidance in contemporary settings,” an official statement said.

“The discussions will be held under four themes: Buddha Dhamma and Peace; Buddha Dhamma: Environmental Crisis, Health and Sustainability; Preservation of Nalanda Buddhist Tradition; Buddha Dhamma Pilgrimage, Living Heritage and Buddha Relics: a resilient foundation to India’s centuries-old cultural links to countries in South, South-East and East Asia,” it added.

The summit will witness the participation of eminent scholars, Sangha leaders and Dharma practitioners from all over the world, who will discuss pressing global issues and look for answers in the Buddha Dhamma that are based on universal values, an official statement mentioned. (ANI)

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PM Modi underscored the importance of the path of Buddha adding that his path is of the future, the path of sustainability.

He also said that India has not given war to the world, but ‘Buddha’.

“The war and unrest that the world is suffering from today, centuries ago Lord Buddha had given a solution. The journey of solving problems is the journey of Buddha. India considers the sorrow of every human being as its own sorrow,” PM Modi said.

PM Modi said that the world can embrace happiness only if “we renunciate realisations of Victory, Defeats, Fights, Wars”.

“Lord Buddha has taught the path to overcome these. Enmity can not vanish with enmity but with Love. Actual happiness lies in peace, in living together with peace. If we want to make the world happy, then this Buddha mantra of inclusiveness is the only way by leaving the self, the world, the narrow thinking,” PM Modi said.

Referring to the earthquake in Turkey, PM Modi said, “Be it peace missions in different countries of the world or a calamity like an earthquake in Turkey… India stands with humanity in times of every crisis, with ‘Mum Bhav’, by putting its full potential.”

He also informed how India played a key role in improving the Buddha Circuit.

“We improved the Buddha Circuit in India and Nepal. Be it Kushinagar International Airport or Lumbini, where India International Centre for Buddhist Culture is being established; India is working holistically in this direction,” said PM Modi. (NDTV)

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Union Minister of State for Culture Arjun Ram Meghwal has said that the problems of lack of peace in some parts of the world can be tackled by the teachings and principles enunciated by Lord Buddha.

The minister referred to the Global Buddhist Summit in New Delhi and said the teachings of Lord Buddha are very relevant in the present-day world. He said 170 delegates from about 30 nations attended the Global Buddhist Summit.

The ‘amrit’ that will come from these discussions during the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Kaal’ will help establish peace in all the countries of the world, Meghwal said.

“The problems in the world that are there due to terrorism, in some countries due to separatism, due to internal security…the teachings of Lord Buddha are were based on peace and non-violence which were in accordance with the Indian philosophy. The thoughts of Lord Buddha are relevant even today,” Meghwal told ANI.

Meghwal said that the message of peace and prosperity are interrelated.

“Peace and prosperity are complementary. The message from vishwagurus is if peace is disturbed, prosperity also gets disturbed.”

He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi also said that India gave Buddha and not war.

Without taking any names, he said some countries believe in radicalism which is not good. “Why do you want to go on a way of devastation?” he asked.

Meghwal also said bigotry should be shunned. “My way is highway is also not right. You should think through your path and then follow it. Meghwal said.

The Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), hosted the Global Buddhist Summit in New Delhi. The theme of the Global Buddhist Summit was ‘Responses to Contemporary Challenges: Philosophy to Praxis.’

Meghwal referred to India’s presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and G20 and said that an agenda of peace, prosperity and governance can be set for the world. (ANI)

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