Vietnam Buddhist Sangha's Delegation Visits Sri Lanka to Strengthen Cooperation

The delegation of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha visited Sri Lanka and Buddhism organizations from May 8-11, tightening the bonds between the two religious cultures.
May 18, 2023 | 11:50

The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) delegation led by Most Venerable Thich Duc Thien, member of the 15th National Assembly, Vice President, Secretary General of the Executive Council, Head of the International Buddhist Committee of the VBS, together with monks and Buddhists visit Sri Lanka from May 8-11.

Strengthening Buddhist Cooperation between Vietnam, Sri Lanka
The delegation works with the Minister and Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka. Source: TG&VN

Within the framework of the visit, the delegation greeted Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena; M.U.M. Foreign Minister Ali Sabry; Minister of Buddhism, Religion and Culture Vidura Wickramanayaka; Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya; General Secretary of the Buddhist Council of Sri Lanka Venerable Mugunuwela Anuruddha.

The delegation visited and worked with leaders of a number of Buddhist sects of Sri Lanka and major temples; as well as worked with the Sri Lankan Minister of Buddhism, Religion and Culture.

At the meetings, the two sides appreciated the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam and Sri Lanka, and agreed to further promote people-to-people exchanges, cultural and Buddhist cooperation between the two countries.

Sri Lankan PM Dinesh Gunawardena hailed Vietnam's achievements in national construction and development, saying that the two countries have always supported and supported each other during the struggle for independence as well as the present.

Gunawardena said that Sri Lankans have always admired the leadership talent of President Ho Chi Minh, who led Vietnam to achieve national independence. Sri Lanka is also one of the countries that soon established diplomatic relations with Vietnam, he added.

The PM acknowledged and highly appreciated the help of the VBS, the Vietnam-Sri Lanka Friendship Association, the Vietnamese people as well as the Vietnamese community in Sri Lanka for carrying out practical activities supporting the people of Sri Lanka to overcome difficulties in recent times.

Gunawardena said that the Sri Lankan government and ministries will continue to accompany, support and create favorable conditions for the operation of the Embassy and the Vietnamese community, including Vietnamese monks and nuns who are traveling, studying in the country.

Strengthening Buddhist Cooperation between Vietnam, Sri Lanka
The delegation works with the Minister and Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka. Source: TG&VN

On the side of the Foreign Ministry of Sri Lanka, Minister Ali Sabry wished that the VBS would pay attention to promote the relationship between pagodas and temples of the two nations, as well as strengthen the development of Buddhist tourism; This is one of the factors that help to increase understanding and contribute to the economic development of the two countries.

For his, Most Venerable Thich Duc Thien, who is also Vice President of the Vietnam-Sri Lanka Friendship Association, thanked the Sri Lankan leaders for taking the time to welcome the delegation, affirming that Vietnam always attaches importance to the cooperation relationship with Sri Lanka, and makes efforts to promote cooperative relations. Cooperation between the two countries is constantly developing, including cooperation in the field of Buddhism.

He expressed his gratitude for the affection of the leaders and people of Sri Lanka for President Ho Chi Minh, the country and the people of Vietnam, adding that the two countries' relations have many similarities in the history of the struggle for independence and the nation, as well as having a long association with Buddhism.

For Buddhist cooperation activities, he agreed with the idea of promoting cooperation between temples and pagodas of the two countries, exchanging broadcasts between the two Buddhist TV channels as well as tourism promotion activities.

In addition, as Vice President of the Vietnam-Sri Lanka Friendship Association, he will make every effort to promote people-to-people exchanges, further strengthening the friendship between the two countries. consultation and mutual understanding.

Strengthening Buddhist Cooperation between Vietnam, Sri Lanka
The delegation visits and works with leaders of a number of Buddhist sects of Sri Lanka, major temples of Sri Lanka such as Sri Maha Boodhi Temple, Ruwanweli Maha Seya, Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Mahiyangana Raja Maha Vihara, Gangaramaya temple. Source: VPI
Strengthening Buddhist Cooperation between Vietnam, Sri Lanka
Venerable Thich Vien Minh, Vice President of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, hands over USD 20,000 to Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena. Source: TG&VN

Within the framework of the visit, at the meeting with the PM, the delegation donated USD 20,000 to purchase medical supplies for the people of Sri Lanka.

Last year, the Central Committee of the VBS and the Vietnam - Sri Lanka Friendship Association also presented cash assistance worth VND 1 billion (over USD 43,000) to the government of Sri Lanka to help people in Sri Lanka overcome difficulties caused by the economic crisis.

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Hannah Nguyen
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