Int’l Buddhist conference to be held in Anuradhapura

Nimal Wijesinghe Anuradhapura Additional District Group Corr

The Anuradhapura Buddhasravaka Bhikku University of Sri Lanka has organized an International Buddhist conference on the theme ‘Millennium challenges for Buddhism’ from February 17 to 19 at the Buddhasravaka Bhikku university premises.

The opening session of the international conference will be inaugurated by Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne on February 17 at 8.30 a.m at the Anuradhapura Dulyana hotel auditorium with the participation of the Maha Nayaka Theras of the three sects and the Maha Sangha, Buddhist intelligentsia, both clergy and laymen, representating universities and recognized Buddhist organizations from 15 countries participating in it. Higher Education Minister S.B. Dissanayake, North Central Province Governor Karunaratne Divulgane, North Central Province Chief Minister Berty Premalal Dissanayake anf Deputy Minister Nandhimitra Ekanayake will also participate.

The Vice Chancellor of the Anuradhapura Buddhasravaka Bhikku University of Sri Lanka Ven. Professor Thumbulle Sri Sheelakkhanda Nayaka Thera told the Daily News that a multitude of programmes have been streamlined in every part of the Buddhist world in the wake of the 2600th anniversary of the Supreme Enlightenment of the Sakyamuni Buddha.

The Nayaka Thera said that around 125 classical and academical documented papers based on provable characteristics of Buddhism in various countries, the problems challenges being confronted by Buddhist monks and laymen in them would be submitted and exchanged during the three day conference.