Buddhism In Sri Lanka During The Period Of The 19th To 21st Centuries

Sri Lanka is a beautiful teardrop-shaped island in the Indian Ocean. It is a country based on the Buddha's philosophy nurtured for more than 2,600 years. The message of the Buddha's compassion and wisdom penetrated deep into the Sinhalese island. The spiritual practice of precepts-samadhi-wisdom as taught by the Buddha is an indispensable part of the daily life of Sri Lankans.

Looking at the past, especially during the nineteenth and twenty-first centuries, the ancient Sinhala culture and Buddhist monks were influenced by Western countries. How did the Sri Lankan Sangha find a solution to adopt the conceptual modernization and still keep their traditions in Sri Lankan Buddhist society? How did the Sri Lanka Buddhist monks use their means, efforts, and contributions for the sake of this cause? These historical points serve as a compelling invitation to welcome international monastics and scholars from various nations who wish to visit and immerse themselves in this rich cultural heritage.

Under the warm sunlight of July 16, 2023, on the beautiful grounds of the Sri Lanka Vidyala Maha Piriven in Colombo, Sri Lanka, there were many bright golden robes of Asian monastics from Sri Lanka, Myanmar, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Burma, Cambodia, Taiwan, and Vietnam. They were gathered to participate, learn and experience this Sri Lanka historical high mark, a seminar on "Buddhism in Sri Lanka during the Period of the Nineteenth to Twenty-first Centuries." It was organized by the Maha Mahinda International Dharmadutha Society with the collaboration and sponsorship of Huong Sen Buddhist Temple, California, USA.

At this seminar, many learned monastics, speakers, delegates, spiritual leaders, and researchers presented their meaningful papers to shine light on this matter for listeners and readers. They were Prof. Ven. Medagama Nandawansa Thera (Patron, Maha Mahinda International Dharmadutha Society and Chief Incumbent of Sri Lanka Vidyalaya Maha Pirivena), Dr. Ven. Kahawatte Siri Sumedha (Chief Incumbent of Jambudvipa, Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple, Varanasi, India), Mr. Sanath Ediriweera (Chairman, Public Service Commission and the Honorable Secretary of the Maha Mahinda International Dharmadutha Society), Ven. Prof. Beligalle Dhammajoti (Professor at the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies, University of Ruhuna), Ven. Taldena Ariyawimala and Dr. A.A.R. Priyanka (Senior Lecturers of the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies, University of Ruhuna), the talented MC, Ven. Prof. Raluwe Padmasiri (Professor at the Department of Buddhist Thought, Postgraduate Institute of Pali and Buddhist Studies, University of Kelaniya), Ven. Sooriyawewe Somananda Thera (the Principal of the Sri Lanka Vidyala Maha Pirivena), Ven. Ketagoda Wimalajothi Thera (Deputy Principal, Sri Lanka Vidyalaya Maha Pirivena), Ven. Bhikkhuni Madulle Vijithananda (Abbess of Sakyadhita Training and Meditation Center), Dr. Ven. Bhiksuni Gioi Huong (Lecturer at Vietnam Buddhist University in HCM City and Abbess, Huong Sen Buddhist Temple, California, USA), Rev. O.U. Dhammadheera, Ms. M. D. Sachini Hansika Chandrapala, Mr. Anuda Kanchana, and Mrs. K.V.J. Koshalee (Lecturer at the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies, University of Ruhuna).

These papers are rich in knowledge, analysis, and information on Sri Lankan Buddhist history with specific focus on the period of the nineteenth to twenty-first centuries. They have been gathered together and are slated for publication in a book, which will serve as a valuable and dependable resource for academic studies and research.

Huong Sen Buddhist Temple, September 30, 2023

With Metta,

The Editorial Board