On the invitation extended by Sheikh Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al- Issa, Secretary General of the Muslim World League and President of the Organisation of Muslim Scholars to participate at the Forum titled “Promoting Common Values Among the followers of Religions”, organised by the Muslim World League, an International Islamic Non-Governmental Organisation based in Mecca, Saudi Arabia meant for religious leaders and senior scholars, a delegation led by the Most Venerable Banagala Upatissa Thera, President of the Mahabodi Society of Sri Lanka and Chief Sangha Nayaka for Japan, Chief Priest–Lankaji Temple, Japan and Chief Priest-Sanchi Chethiyagiri Viharaya, India visited Saudi Arabia from 9 -13 May 2022. This is the first ever visit to the Kingdom by a Buddhist Priest.
The Most Venerable Banagala Upatissa Thera addressed the above Forum convened on 11 May at the prestigious Ritz Carlton Hotel in Riyadh. In his address, Most Ven. Banagala Upatissa Thera focused his attention on the similarity of teaching of Lord Buddha and teaching and practices in the Islamic faith. He stated that “Many people would be shocked to think of Islam and Buddism being comparable in anyway and yet if you look closely at their teachings, and their efforts towards peace, they are more similar than one may suspect”. Further elaborating on the teaching of Lord Buddha, the Most Venerable Thera said “Buddhist philosophy is really important for world peace. The mantras and philosophy are valid and useful in everyone’s life not only for Buddhists”.
During his stay in Riyadh, the Venerable Thera also spoke to a few Sri Lankan community members on religious tolerance and understanding. He stressed the importance of positive contribution by the Sri Lankans living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at a time when Sri Lanka faces a critical economic situation.
The Most Venerable Thera also took part in the Vesak Celebration at the Sri Lanka Embassy premises on the 13 May organised by the Sri Lanka Cultural Forum, together with the Sri Lankan community in Riyadh, which included a Bodhi Pooja, and Cultural performance by the students of the Daham Pasala. The Most Venerable monk hailed the Sri Lankan community in Riyadh for scaling down the Vasak celebrations this time and diverting the resources meant for the celebrations for the needy people in Sri Lanka.
He also took part in the Dhana (Alms giving) which was organised at the Embassy on 12 May.
Kurukkal Ramachandra Iyer of the Hindu Religious Department and Ven. Koswatte Palitha Thera also took part in the forum. It is also the first time a Hindu Priest from Sri Lanka has visited the Kingdom.
