Commemorating the 10th anniversary of China’s introduction of the Belt and Road initiative, the 8th South China Sea Buddhism Shenzhen Roundtable is set to take place at the BMICH on Colombo on December 11, 2023, under the patronage of Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe, President of Sri Lanka. The 2023 Colombo Forum, themed “Walking together in harmony and gathering the wisdom of the Silk Road,” is presided over by Venerable Master Yin Shun, a highly esteemed and senior monk in China. The event is hosted by Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo.
The 2023 South China Sea Buddhism Shenzhen Roundtable, organized under the auspices of Ven. Dr. Galabada Gnanissara Thero, Chief Incumbent of Gangaramaya Temple, and the invitation of Ven. Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thero, Deputy Incumbent of Gangaramaya Temple, aims to bring together venerable monks, scholars, political figures, and prominent individuals from various segments of society to foster consensus and contribute to this significant occasion. A series of events from December 11th to 14th in Colombo will reinforce bonds among Buddhist communities, addressing topics such as peace and development, cultural exchanges, education, young talent and charitable initiatives.
Responding to the invitation from Gangaramaya Temple, over 400 delegates representing 32 countries will participate in the discourse, enhancing collaboration and promoting the tourism sector. The Chinese delegation is set to visit Sri Dalada Maligava – Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy. Subsequently, the Chinese delegation and leading members of the business community will be hosted at a special dinner at Temple Trees.
The customary handing over ceremony of 2023 Nanhai Buddhist Roundtable was held in Dahong Mountain, Suizhou City, Hubei Province on October 20th, 2023. The ceremony was carried out by Ven. Wang Qiang, Vice President of the Buddhist Association of China and Abbot of Hong Fa Temple in Shenzhen; Ven. Wang Bugri, Buddhist from Cambodia and Ven. Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thero, Deputy Incumbent, Gangaramaya Temple, Sri Lanka amidst religious representatives, experts and scholars, representing 20 countries and regions.
Ven. Master Yin Shun, the Dharma successor of Ven. Master Ben Huan and the 45th successor of the Linji Sect of Chinese Buddhism, holds various prominent roles, including Committee Member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Vice Chairman of the Buddhist Association of China, Chairman of the Buddhist Association of Hainan Province, Honorary Chairman of the Buddhist Association of Hubei Province and Chairman of the Buddhist Association of Shenzhen. He is also the Abbot of numerous monasteries, including Shenzhen Hongfa Monastery, Sanya Nnshan Monastery and Nepal Zhanghua Monastery. Ven. Master Yin Shun actively explores suitable modes of existence and development for Buddhist monasteries in modern society.
In a world marked by uncertainties, venerable monks, individuals of noble character and virtuous men and women adhering to Buddha’s teachings seek common ground, striving for harmonious coexistence. They gather wisdom, reach consensus, and aspire to establish a foundation bringing peace to people’s hearts, upholding the inherent wisdom and compassion of Buddhism through united action.
Expanding on the upcoming events, Ven. Dr. Kirinde Assaji stated, “The 2023 Colombo Forum of the Roundtable marks a significant moment in Sri Lankan Buddhist history. Hosting an international forum of this stature, attended by senior prelates like Ven. Master Yin Shun from China, along with numerous high-profiled prelates and other dignitaries from the region, is a great honor for us. Beyond fostering a Buddhist way of living in a rapidly changing world, these events will contribute to the growth of the tourism sector in Sri Lanka and the overall economy.”
The series of events organized by Gangaramaya Temple includes numerous noteworthy activities. They encompass the launch of the “2023 Silk Road Brightness Action” – carrying out 100 cataract surgeries at Lanka Hospital by Chinese surgeons and a series of related activities; the 2023 South China Sea Buddhist Roundtable Buddhist Education Sub-Forum and 2023 South China Sea Buddhist Roundtable Youth Sub-Forum held in collaboration with Kelaniya University; an alms giving to cite blessings for the 81st birthday of Ven. Dr. Galabada Gnanissara Thero, Chief Incumbent of Gangaramaya Temple; a colorful perahera (street pageant) and a religious ceremony that includes a pooja to invoke blessings for world peace. Hon. Ministers, State Ministers, and Secretaries of all the Ministries are scheduled to attend the ceremony.
