His Eminence inaugurate the Pali and Sanskrit International Bhikkhu Exchange Programme in Sri Lanka9th Feb. 2025

9th Feb. 2025

Several years ago, Mr. Damenda, the Deputy Secretary-General of the International Buddhist Conference, and others earnestly requested His Eminence Kundeling Tatsak Rinpoche to visit Sri Lanka. And its been a long wish of Rinpoche himself too that this time, His Eminence was able to visit Sri Lanka as he was invited as the chief guest to inaugurate the Pali and Sanskrit International Bhikkhu Exchange Programme on 9th Feb. 2025.

During the address, His Eminence expressed great joy at the opportunity to attend this important program which held in the Monastery of Venerable Dr. Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Mahanayaka Thero, who offered relics of the Lord Buddha to His Holiness the Dalai Lama in the previous year. Rinpoche also took that opportunity to express appreciation and gratitude to Venerable Dr. Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Mahanayaka Thero for the offering of sacred relics to His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

His Eminence further remarked that, this exchange program, now in its third year, is part of a five-year initiative inspired by the Dalai Lama to strengthen unity among Buddhist traditions. It facilitates dialogue and knowledge-sharing between Pali and Sanskrit traditions, emphasizing monastic discipline (Vinaya), ethical conduct, and religious harmony. Rinpoche underscores Sri Lanka’s pivotal role in Buddhist history and its contributions to preserving the Pali Canon.

Looking ahead, he stress the need to expand such initiatives to address modern challenges with wisdom and compassion. The address was concluded with a note of thanks and reaffirming a commitment to Buddhist unity and global peace.