The 88th anniversary of the birth of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the revered spiritual leader of the Tibetan people, embodiment of compassion, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and a figure esteemed globally, was commemorated on July 6, 2023.
In honor of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 88th birthday, countless followers and devotees from across the globe joined in celebrating this auspicious occasion in their respective nations. The Foundation for Buddhist Brotherhood (FBB) and the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), in collaboration with the University of Kelaniya, marked this special day by hosting an international conference that brought together multilingual scholars. The event, supported by the Faculty of Humanities, the Faculty of Social Sciences, the Department of Pāli and Buddhist Studies, and the Department of Philosophy, took place on the university premises.
Anunāyake of the Malwathu chapter of Siyam Mahā Nikāya the Most Venerable Niyangoda Vijithasiri Maha Thero participated in this as the chief guest, and Mahā Nāyaka Thero of the Sri Śāsanōdaya Sangha Sabhā of Sri Lanka Amarapura Nikāya, Most Ven. Dr Waskaduwe Mahindawansha Thero, Most Venerable Dr Valeboda Gunasiri Anunāyake Thero, Most Venerable Shastrapati Alikewala Seelananda Nāyaka Thero, Most Venerable Prof. Pallekande Ratanasara Anunāyake Thero, Most Venerable Dr Madampagama Assaji Anunāyake Thero, and also Head of the Department of Pāli and Buddhist Studies, Ven. Prof. Makuruppe Dhammananda Thero joined this occasion.
Dean – Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. M.M. Gunathilaka, Dean – Faculty of Humanities, Dr. Sudath Senarath, Dean – Faculty of Science, Senior Prof. S. R. D. Kalingamudali, Head of Department of Sanskrit and Eastern Studies, Prof. K.B. Jayawardhane, Senior Prof. Chandima Wijebandara, Prof. Uditha Garusinghe, Prof. Jayantha Vattevidana, Prof. Nimal Mendis, Dr. Chaminda G. Gamage, and Dr. Anuradha Mahasinghe participated as special guests. Also, this conference was held with the participation of a distinguished group of representatives of Buddhist organizations from different countries, ambassadors, and scholars representing various fields.
Extending a warm welcome to the participants of the International Conference of Multilingual Scholars, Most Ven. Deniyaye Pannaloka Thero, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Pāli and Buddhist Studies at the University of Kelaniya, delivered the inaugural address. Dr. Damenda Porage, Chairman of the Foundation for Buddhist Brotherhood, provided an introductory speech about the conference. Following a felicitation message from Senior Prof. Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, a brief documentary highlighting the religious and social endeavors of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama was presented.
Subsequently, attendees had the privilege of viewing a special birthday message from His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama on his 88th birthday through a video message.
During the keynote address, Most Ven. Dr. Waskaduwe Mahindawansha Thero, Mahā Nāyaka Thero of the Sri Śāsanōdaya Sangha Sabhā of Sri Lanka Amarapura Nikāya, shared insights. He mentioned that the esteemed Maha Sangha, part of the Sri Lankan delegation that met His Holiness the Dalai Lama during His annual visit to Bodh Gaya in 2022, extended an invitation for His Holiness to visit Sri Lanka, which was graciously accepted. The Thero emphasized the significant impact of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s presence, noting an increased interest in industry and potential large-scale investments from devotees worldwide, particularly from America, Europe, Japan, and Thailand. This, he highlighted, could serve as a crucial catalyst to alleviate Sri Lanka’s current economic challenges.
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