On January 10, 2021, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Vietnam Prasanna Gamage, attended a Buddhist Conference titled ‘Buddhism in the Southern Region of Vietnam – Establishment and Development’, in Ho Chi Minh City, co-hosted by the Vietnam Buddhist University and the University of Social Sciences and Humanities of Ho Chi Minh City.
The gathering comprised over 2,000 dignitaries, including senior bhikkhus, academics and researchers, student bhikkhus, bhikkhunis and devotees.
Ambassador Gamage delivered the keynote address at the conference, which included a brief history of the arrival of Buddhism in Vietnam, its spread, traditions and influences, international linkages and cooperation.
He also made special reference to the vital contributions of the Ven. Narada Maha Thera, and his pivotal role in the development of Theravada Buddhism in southern Vietnam in the 20th century. Ambassador Gamage also emphasised the important role Sri Lankan Buddhist education institutions are currently playing in educating Vietnamese bhikkhus and bhikkhunis in Sri Lanka.
He reiterated the importance of furthering Buddhist studies and cultural relations as a key element of bilateral cooperation between Sri Lanka and Vietnam.
Pursuant to the conference, on January 11, Ambassador Gamage had an audience with the Ven. Thich Thien Nhon, Chairman of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha Executive Council at Minh Dao Pagoda, in Ho Chi Minh City. Ven. Thich Thien Nhon thanked the Government and the People of Sri Lanka and Buddhist education institutions for the generous and continuous assistance being extended towards the development of Buddhism in Vietnam, and the higher education of Vietnamese bhikkhus and bhikkhunis in Sri Lanka. The Ven. Thera revisited and commended Sri Lanka’s significant contributions to Buddhism over the past 2,500 years. He praised Sri Lanka for initiating action at the United Nations to adopt Vesak Day as an internationally celebrated and recognised day, and also for the creation of the Buddhist flag.
The Ven. Nhon expressed confidence that the proposed Annual Buddhist Conference between Sri Lanka and Vietnam and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries in Buddhist Religious Education and Cultural Cooperation, would soon materialise. Ambassador Gamage reassured the Ven. Thera that Sri Lanka would extend its fullest cooperation in these important proposed activities, of which the initial processes have already commenced.
The Ven. Dr. Thih Nhat Tu, Standing Vice Rector of the Vietnam Buddhist University was also present at the meeting.
Courtesy : Embassy of Sri Lanka Hanoi, Vietnam.