Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Viet Nam calls on the Most Ven. Dr. Thich Nhat Tu, Standing Vice President of the Viet Nam Buddhist University

On the 10^th of March 2020, Mr. Prasanna Gamage, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Viet Nam, during his official visit to Ho Chi Minh City, called on the Most Ven. Dr. Thich Nhat Tu, Standing Vice President of the Viet Nam Buddhist University (VBU), at its headquarters in Ho Chi Minh City.

The Most Ven. Dr. Tu warmly welcomed Mr. Gamage to the VBU and blessed him for a successful tenure in Viet Nam. He also recalled warm and cordial traditional relationship between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka with special emphasis on Most Ven. Narada Thero’s invaluable contribution in reviving Theravda Buddhism in Viet Nam. The Most Ven Dr. Tu appreciated the continuing contribution of Sri Lanka in the sphere of advancing Theravada Buddhist traditions in Viet Nam, by way of teaching Buddhism and Pali languages and training Vietnamese Buddhist Monks. Ven Dr. Tu observed that only 80 – 120 Vietnamese Monks and Nuns are currently studying in Sri Lanka, which is extremely inadequate, and requested Mr. Gamage to enhance the assistance and facilities provided to them.

Ambassador Gamage and the Most Ven. Dr. Tu extensively discussed the existing relations and the way forward for better ties. Mr. Gamage stated that the Government of Sri Lanka would be pleased to assist the VBU, and he would seek the Government’s assistance to increase scholarships and training opportunities to Vietnamese Monks and Nuns in Sri Lanka. The Most Ven Dr. Tu suggested that a mechanism, in the nature of a “Buddhist Conference,” should be constituted between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka, beginning from this year, to enhance Buddhist cultural relations between the two countries, and the event should be held annually, to ensure the continuity. He stated that Viet Nam Buddhist Academy would be pleased to hold the first conference in Viet Nam during this year, to coincide with the celebration of 50 years of establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries. The Most Ven. Dr. Tu and Ambassador Gamage also discussed the potential of Buddhist cultural tourism in Sri Lanka, which has not yet attracted a substantial number of Vietnamese tourists.

Ven. Ngo Tri Duc, Assistant Lecturer and Secretary to the Most Ven Dr. Tu and several other academic Monks were present at the meeting.

                                                                                                                                                              Embassy of Sri Lanka

                                                                                                                                                              Ha Noi

                                                                                                                                                              13 March 2020