Commemorating 10th anniversary of China’s BRI China extends BRI Buddhist diplomacy to Sri Lanka

Pic by Pradeep Dilrukshana

By Kalani Kumarasinghe  

Commemorating the 10th anniversary of China’s ambitious  global development strategy, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Sri  Lanka is set to host an international Buddhism roundtable, attracting  over 400 delegates from 32 countries.  

The eighth South China Sea Buddhism Roundtable 2023  organized under the auspices of Chief Incumbent of the Gangarama Temple  Venerable Galaboda Gnanissara Thera, aims to bring together monks,  academics, politicians and business leaders in reinforcing Buddhist ties  across the world.  

Addressing a media briefing held at the Temple Trees,  Deputy Incumbent of Gangarama Temple Kirinde Assaji Thera said that the  opportunity to host this conference in Sri Lanka marks a significant  moment in the island’s Buddhist history. “Hosting an international forum  of this stature, attended by Venerable Master Yin Shun from China,  along with other dignitaries of the region is a tremendous honour. As  the forum also addresses areas such as education, youth and business,  officials and a diverse group of participants will be visiting Sri  Lanka, giving us the opportunity to showcase the island. The event is  also tremendously beneficial for Sri Lanka’s economy,”Assaji Thera said.  

The event was graced by Venerable Master Yin Shun, a  prominent Chinese Buddhist leader, along with Venerable Bour Kry of  Cambodia. Minister of Mass Media Bandula Gunawardana who also addressed  the event said that the conference marked an important step in taking  Buddhist diplomacy to the world. “We are grateful to Venerable Yin Shun  and China for sponsoring this event hosted by Sri Lanka,” the Minister  said.   A series of events are planned from December 11 to 14,  including a project to carry out 100 cataract surgeries by Chinese  Surgeons, a youth forum organized together with Kelaniya University, an  almsgiving to mark the occasion of the birthday of Venerable Galaboda  Gnaissara Thera, as well as a perahera at the Gangarama Temple in  Colombo.