ලෝක බෞද්ධ සමුළුවට විදෙස් දූත කණ්ඩායම් 600ක් ලංකාවට

Sri Lanka Mirror and Newswire report that the World Buddhist Sangha Council’s 60th anniversary celebrations are scheduled for November 28 to December 2. Sri Lanka Mirror and Hiru News (සිංහල) report that the event will begin at the Nagananda International Institute for Buddhist Studies in Kelaniya; Sri Lanka Mirror says it will take place under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s patronage.

Sri Lanka Mirror reports that a preparations review meeting was held on October 26 at the Presidential Secretariat. It says the meeting was led by organising committee chairman Venerable Dr Bodagama Chandima Thera, council secretary-general Venerable Dr Maitipe Wimalasara Maha Thera and presidential secretary Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake. Newsfirst reports that an organisational discussion took place at the Secretariat, but its report excerpt does not give further details.

Lankadeepa and Sri Lanka Mirror report that more than 600 delegates are expected, including monks representing Buddhist countries around the world. Sri Lanka Mirror estimates that the group will include about 250 Sri Lankans living overseas and approximately 250 Sri Lankan Buddhist monks, and says additional events are planned in Anuradhapura and Kandy.

Sri Lanka Mirror reports that the meeting covered security for participating monks and delegates, medical care, first aid, infrastructure and venue decorations. It also says organisers noted that foreign attendees could help increase foreign-exchange earnings and support tourism.

Sri Lanka Mirror reports that the council plans to give Rs. 500,000 each to 15 Buddhist temples damaged by Cyclone Ditwah to help with restoration. The report says the donation proposal was discussed at the preparations meeting.