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)

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Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Hiniduma Sunil Senevi revealed in Parliament today that 42 ancient paintings at the National Art Gallery have gone missing.

He said that information regarding the missing artworks emerged after a stock verification board conducted an inspection of paintings and sculptures at the National Art Gallery in 2015.

According to records, the stock book listed 281 paintings, but only 239 remain at the gallery.

“The Ministry of Buddhasasana and Religious Affairs Secretary has appointed a committee, which has launched preliminary investigations. The recording of statements has commenced. I have given information to the Police in 2024 and 2025 regarding investigations into the matter,” the Minister told Parliament. (Newswire)

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The Department of Cultural Affairs states that a discussion is scheduled for next Monday under the leadership of the subject minister, Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, to prepare the New Year auspicious times (nekath) sheet.

Issuing a statement, the Department noted that two groups have submitted proposals for the preparation of this year’s New Year auspicious times.

The statement further said that in order to reach a common agreement, the Ministry has already held four rounds of discussions with those groups.

It also said that the views of the Intangible Cultural Heritage and Traditional Arts Sub‑Council have been obtained, but so far, a common agreement regarding the New Year auspicious times has not been reached.

The statement noted that the Ministry of Buddhist, Religious and Cultural Affairs takes necessary steps to safeguard and promote the country’s cultural values, including New Year traditions. (Newswire)

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Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, has been elected as the President of the Sri Lanka-Palestine Parliamentary Friendship Association of the Tenth Parliament of Sri Lanka.

According to a Parliament statement, MP Mujibur Rahman was elected as the Secretary of the Association.

The revival meeting of the Association was held at the Parliament premises recently (09 May), under the patronage of the Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne. 

The Ambassador of Palestine to Sri Lanka, Ihab I.M. Khalil, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour. Deputy Speaker, Dr. Rizvie Salih, along with Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Members of Parliament, and the Secretary General of Parliament, also attended the event.

During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed the deep-rooted friendship between Sri Lanka and Palestine, which has been built on shared values and mutual respect. The meeting underscored Sri Lanka’s longstanding support for the Palestinian cause and the rights of the Palestinian people. It was highlighted that the people of Sri Lanka have consistently expressed solidarity with the people of Palestine over the years.

It was noted that the Sri Lanka-Palestine Parliamentary Friendship Association, first established in 2015, has played an instrumental role in fostering dialogue and cooperation between the two Parliaments. The revival of this Association marks a renewed commitment to strengthening parliamentary diplomacy, promoting mutual understanding, and deepening ties in areas such as culture and education. (Newswire)

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Representatives of local musical bands have requested to extend the time limit for musical events in Sri Lanka, during a discussion with Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Hiniduma Sunil Senevi.

At the meeting held on Monday, the representatives put forward suggestions regarding extending the time limit for concerts, resolving issues when booking playgrounds and renting speakers, addressing discrepancies related to the entertainment tax, and ensuring the safety of fans. 

Responding to them, Minister Hiniduma Sunil Senevi said steps will be taken to raise the matter with the Cabinet to extend the time limit for concerts without inconveniencing the public. (Newswire)

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