PALI AND SANSKRIT INTERNATIONAL BHIKKHU EXCHANGE 2024 CONCLUDES IN HEIYANTHUDUWA

The Pali and Sanskrit International Bhikku Exchange Program, inaugurated under the auspices of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in Bodh Gaya, India in 2022, aimed to foster unity and understanding among diverse Buddhist traditions worldwide. Its second phase commenced on May 18th in Sri Lanka, spanning 14 days until May 31st at the Pali and Sanskrit Cultural Exchange Center in Colombo. Founded to promote Buddhism and foster unity among traditions, the program was organized by the Sri Lanka Foundation for Buddhist Brotherhood and welcomed monks from Tibet, Thailand and Sri Lanka.

During the concluding ceremony, Dr. Damenda Porage, founder of the Sri Lanka Buddhist Brotherhood, and Mr. Pari Jinpa, South East Asia Coordinator for Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, shared their insights. Most Venerable Kithalagama Hemasara Nayaka Thero, the Secretary General of the Sri Lanka Amarapura Dhammarakkhitha sect, delivered the keynote speech, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among the various Buddhist traditions to preserve and propagate Buddhism.

Participants included Ms. Weenee Ng, President of the Tibetan Buddhist Center in Singapore, Professor Lenagala Siriniwasa Thero, Dean of the Buddhist and Pali University, along with other esteemed Buddhist monks and Dr. Shermila Milroy, co-secretary of the Sri Lanka Foundation for Buddhist Brotherhood, and its members. The ceremony featured alms offerings to the Sangha and a tree planting ceremony on the premises of the Pali and Sanskrit Cultural Exchange Center, symbolizing growth, unity, and the enduring spirit of Buddhism.