On the occasion of celebrating the 65th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations and the 70th anniversary of the Rubber - Rice Pact, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in collaboration with the Chongqing Huayan Culture and Education Foundational International Exchange Center organized a video conference on 21 February 2022. The purpose of this conference was to explore avenues to further strengthen the cultural, education and religious cooperation between the two countries. Chongqing was represented by the Chongqing Huayan Culture and Education Foundational International Exchange Center and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Rev. Bhante Nanasiha Thero from Vajirarama Buddhist Temple, the Ambassador Dr. Palitha Kohona, and Mr. Chiranjaya Udumullage attended and spoke at the conference, in addition to the speakers from the Chongqing side.
The Ambassador said that the visit of Faxian, the Chinese Buddhist Monk, who spent two years in Anuradhapura paid the foundation for strengthening the relations. He further said that Sri Lanka has greatly contributed to promote Buddhism in China, in particular, establishing the bhikkhuni sasana. He emphasized that Buddhist tourism was one of the major areas which would contribute to enhancing people-to-people contacts.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Beijing
21 February 2022
