COLOMBO:
The World Buddhist Community (WBC) has finalized preparations to host a major International Buddhist Conference in Sri Lanka next year. In light of this upcoming global event, Ven. Harshabodhi Thero arrived in Sri Lanka from Buddhagaya, India, to brief local communities and the media.
Founded in 2024 in front of the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi in Buddhagaya—the ultimate sanctuary for Buddhists worldwide—the World Buddhist Community was established with the noble vision of spreading peace and the Four Brahma-viharas (Loving-kindness, Compassion, Sympathetic Joy, and Equanimity) across the globe. Since its inception, the organization has been actively working toward a global Buddhist revival.
Speaking on the roadmap of the organization, Mr. Buddhika Prasanna, President of the World Buddhist Community, stated that two major Buddhist conventions will be held in India and Nepal this year. These will pave the way for the grand international conference in Sri Lanka next year, which is expected to draw prominent Buddhist leaders from around the world.
Addressing the gathering in Hindi, Ven. Harshabodhi Thero highlighted the historic milestones and contemporary challenges facing Buddhism in India.
“October 14th is a deeply significant day for us, marking the historical moments when Emperor Ashoka and later Dr. B. R. Ambedkar embraced Buddhism, spearheading the Buddhist revival in India,” the Thero remarked. “Dr. Ambedkar visited Sri Lanka, inspired by the pristine Dhamma, and subsequently embraced Buddhism on October 14, 1954, triggering a massive spiritual awakening across India.”
However, Ven. Harshabodhi Thero expressed concern over the current state of Buddhist heritage, noting that even Buddhagaya—the very place where the Buddha attained Enlightenment—is no longer under Buddhist administration.
The Thero emphasized that the World Buddhist Community aims to reclaim the administration of Buddhagaya for Buddhists, continuing the legacy of Anagarika Dharmapala who originally rescued the sacred site. He concluded by stating that this upcoming international conference will serve as a crucial catalyst to firmly re-establish and uplift Buddhism in India.