The 13th Executive Council Meeting of Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace

The 13th Executive Council Meeting of the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace was held with the participation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Sri Sambodhi Viharaya in Colombo 7 yesterday, a statement from the President’s Media Division said. 

After World War II, the Russian and Mongolian Buddhist leaders focused on the need for an international Buddhist organisation aimed at promoting unity. Consequently, Buddhist laity and clergy gathered at Maha Viharaya in Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia on June 13, 1970 to hold the first meeting of the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace. The second Conference was held in Sri Lanka. At present, all the Buddhist countries in the world are members of this organization.  

Sri Lanka hosts the 13th Executive Council Meeting. The Asian Buddhist Conference observed that acting as the host country in the face of the Corona pandemic will bring special honour to Sri Lanka and result in forming closer ties with other countries. Representatives of 25 countries joined today’s conference via Zoom. 

 
Before attending the Conference President engaged in religious rituals at the Sri Sambodhi Viharaya.  
Ven. Prof. Medagoda Abhayatissa Thera explained the objectives of the Conference.  

Anunayaka of the Malwathu Chapter Most Ven. Niyangoda Vijithasiri Thera delivered the main speech on “Responsibility of Buddhists in the face of COVID - 19”.  
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakse.   

Prime Minister of Mongolia Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh addressed the gathering via video technology.  
The final speech in the first session was delivered by Ven. Dr. Maitipe Wimalasara Thera.