Preparation for the Seventh Buddhist Summit, World Buddhist Supreme Conference
In 2017 in Sri Lanka, the birthplace of Theravada Buddhism
The Seventh Buddhist Summit is to be held in 2017 under the auspices of the government of Sri Lanka. Meeting with H.E. President Maithripala Sirisena on December 11, 2016.
From December 9 to 15, 2016, the Buddhist Summit delegation led by President H.E. Khamba Lama Gabju Choijamts Demberel, Head Lama of Centre of Mongolian Buddhists, Vice President Most Ven. Dr. Shinkai Kori, Chief High Priest of Nenbutsushu Sampozan Muryojuji Temple, and Secretary General Most Ven. Weragoda Sarada Nayaka Maha Thero, Chief Prelate of Singapore, visited Sri Lanka, a leading country of Theravada Buddhism, and had a meeting with H.E. Maithripala Sirisena, President of Sri Lanka, for the preparation of the Seventh Buddhist Summit. H.E. President Maithripala Sirisena declared that the Seventh Buddhist Summit would be organized as a national event and promised the full support and cooperation of Sri Lanka. Then, His Excellency shook hands with each delegate, showing his determination for the success of the Seventh Buddhist Summit. Through this official visit to Sri Lanka, the Buddhist Summit delegation had several meetings with Chief Prelates of the major sects and chapters of Sri Lanka as well as cabinet members. They all agreed to the unified cooperation for the propagation of Buddhism by reverting to the original teachings of Lord Buddha and for the realization of “world peace and serenity for humanity.”
Meeting with H.E. President Maithripala Sirisena of Sri Lanka
December 11, 2016 H.E. the President, a pious Buddhist, praised the activities and achievements of Buddhist Summit and stated his firm belief that Buddhism is a great religion that can bring peace and serenity to the world. His Excellency also expressed that he was delighted to hold the Buddhist Summit conference in his country and contribute to the propagation of Buddhism.
H.E. Khamba Lama Gabju Choijamts Demberel, President of Buddhist Summit, presenting a Buddha image as a gift to H.E. the President of Sri Lanka.
Most Ven. Dr. Shinkai Kori, Vice President of Buddhist Summit, shaking hands with His Excellency.
Autograph letter with the President flag (above) and the national emblem (below) from H.E. the President of Sri Lanka announcing that the Seventh Buddhist Summit will be held in Sri Lanka.
In the letter His Excellency expressed his delight of holding the Seventh Buddhist Summit in his country and prayed for its success.
Strong bond with the Buddhist communities of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a leading country of Theravada Buddhism that has played a great role in spreading Buddhism and has produced many world-famous high priests. At the meetings with the chief prelates of the major traditional sects, each of them expressed the strong wish that Buddhism would further flourish by holding this Seventh Buddhist Summit, as Buddhism once spread widely to the world from Sri Lanka. They all promised their full support and cooperation.
Meeting with Most Ven. Agra Maha Panditha Dawuldena Ganeshsara Maha Nayaka Thero, Chief Prelate of Amarapura Nikaya
Meeting with Most Ven. Napana Premasiri Maha Nayaka Thero, Chief Prelate of Ramanya Nikaya.
With Most Ven. Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Mahanayake Thero, Chief Prelate of Asgiriya Chapter of Siam Nikaya.
With Most Ven. Thibbotuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Mahanayake Thero, Chief Prelate of Malwatta Chapter of Siam Nikaya.
Visiting Vidyodaya Pirivena Buddhist University, the most prominent Buddhist university in Sri Lanka.
Visiting Gangaramaya Temple, a famous temple in Colombo, and worshipping the huge Buddha image. The Buddhist Summit delegation was pleased to meet again with Most Ven. Galboda Siri Gnanissara Maha Nayaka Thero.
Meetings with the important government officials
The Buddhist Summit delegation had meetings in succession with H.E. Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister, H.E. Karu Jayasuriya, Speaker of the Parliament, H.E. Thilanga Sumathipala, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, H.E. Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, Minister of Buddhasasana, and H.E. Daya Gamage, Minister of Primary Industries, at the Parliament Building of Sri Lanka. All of them expressed their strong cooperation toward the great success of the Seventh Buddhist Summit.
Parliament Building, located in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, the capital of Sri Lanka.
With H.E. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe at his office in the Parliament Building.
With H.E. Speaker of the Parliament Karu Jayasuriya
Meeting with H.E. Deputy Speaker of the Parliament Thilanga Sumathipala and H.E. Minister of Buddhasasana Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe.
Meeting with H.E. Minister of Buddhasasana Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe.
