A delegation of Buddhist monks, including the Chief Sanghanayaka of Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand, Most Venerable Ubon Prakru Vajirakun, visited the Sri Lankan Parliament on the 5th of this month.
This occasion was attended by Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senewi, Secretary General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera, and Acting Director of Legislative Services and Communication, M. Jayalath Perera.
During the visit, a proposal outlining programs to strengthen Buddhist ties between Thailand and Sri Lanka was presented by the Chief Incumbent of the historic Abhinawaramaya Maha Viharaya in Deraniyagala, Most Venerable Avissawella Vaga Sri Vajira Vansa Thissa Nayaka Thero. The key proposals included:
“A delegation including monks from Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand, visits Parliament”
Granting educational scholarships worth 12.5 million Sri Lankan Rupees to 25 Sri Lankan novice monks, establishing a Global Buddhist Media Center in Sri Lanka,Encouraging increased Thai tourism to Sri Lanka to boost the local tourism industry, hosting a Thai Vesak festival in Sri Lanka this year with government support.
Speaking at the event, the Hon. Speaker expressed his deep appreciation for this initiative, which aims to bring the true meaning of Buddhist philosophy to the world. He emphasized the importance of Buddhist teachings and stated that the presented proposals would be discussed with the three Mahanayaka Theros (Chief Prelates) of the Buddhist order for further guidance and implementation.
Minister Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senewi, in his remarks, recalled the long-standing diplomatic relations between Thailand and Sri Lanka and commended the contributions made toward the promotion of Buddhism. He also assured that necessary diplomatic support would be provided to further strengthen the relationship between the two countries.
Additionally, Secretary General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera highlighted the benefits that people of both nations could gain through the well-established Buddhist ties between Thailand and Sri Lanka.
The Thai delegation, including the Maha Sangha of Ubon Ratchathani, also participated in an observation tour of the Parliament.
This event was also attended by the Director of the Thai Buddhist Education Institute, Venerable Sri Sohit Wattaya M. Fa Trukanpak Pong Thero, along with a group of monks, lay devotees who have entered temporary ordination, and officials from the Public Service Division of the Thai Communication Department.
