The Seventh Buddhist Summit
World Buddhist Supreme Conference
November 2 to 7, 2017 The Main Conference Hall of Temple Trees, the Prime Minister’s House Holy Shrines of Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi & Sri Dalada Maligawa
Assembly of 47 countries across the 5 continents in the world — Buddhism for World Peace —
[ HOST ] The Government of Sri Lanka [ CONDUCTED BY ] World Buddhist Supreme Conference, Nenbutsushu Buddhist Sect of Japan
[ STEERING COMMITTEE ] •Presidential Secretariat, •Prime Minister’s Office, •Ministry of Buddhasasana, •Ministry of Foreign Affairs, •Ministry of Posts, Postal Services & Muslim Religious Affairs, •Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation, •Ministry of Internal Affairs, Wayamba Development and Cultural Affairs, •Ministry of Defense, •Ministry of Finance and Mass Media, •Ministry of Law and Order and Southern Development, •Ministry of Tourism, •Ministry of Agriculture & Member of Parliament for Anuradhapura, •Ministry of Sustainable Development and Wildlife, •Chief Minister’s Office, Central Province, •Colombo Municipal Council, •Thimbirigasyaya Divisional Secretariat, •Colombo Divisional Secretariat
The Seventh Buddhist Summit was grandly held from November 2 to 7, 2017 in Sri Lanka, a leading country of Theravada Buddhism, as a national event under the auspices of the government of Sri Lanka in the presence of H.E. President Maithripala Sirisena as the chief guest and Hon. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe as the guest of honor. It was attended by the supreme Buddhist leaders of 47 countries across the 5 continents in the world as well as national leaders and members of the Royal Families. It was in the 3rd century B.C. when Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka. Since then, Sri Lanka has protected Buddhism for 2,300 years, overcoming various adversities. Now, the nation still gives much importance on Buddhism and the 3 major Nikayas, namely, Siam Nikaya, Amarapura Nikaya, and Ramanya Nikaya, are actively working to disseminate the teachings of Lord Buddha at home and overseas. Indeed, Sri Lanka has an immeasurable influence on the Buddhist communities in the world. Sri Lanka put its national prestige on hosting the Seventh Buddhist Summit. The conference produced a great outcome more than ever in sending a strong message of peace through Buddhism to the entire world.
Procession of the supreme Buddhist leaders from 47 countries in the world
Procession of the supreme Buddhist leaders from 47 countries in the world
Opening Ceremony
Opening Ceremony
Special Audience hosted by H.E. the President
Special Audience hosted by H.E. the President
Round-table Meeting
Round-table Meeting
Chanting sutras wishing for world peace and the propagation of Buddhism
Chanting sutras wishing for world peace and the propagation of Buddhism
Closing Ceremony
Closing Ceremony
Traditional cultural show of Sri Lanka
Traditional cultural show of Sri Lanka
Anuradhapura, an ancient capital
Anuradhapura, an ancient capital
Kandy, the former capital
Kandy, the former capital
［ Address by H.E. the President of Sri Lanka ］ H.E. Maithripala Sirisena, President of Sri Lanka
Report on the Seventh Buddhist Summit
Inside of the city of Colombo
Buddhist flags and signboards announcing the Seventh Buddhist Summit were placed here and there in the city of Colombo.
Main Conference Hall next to the main building of Temple Trees, the Prime Minister’s House. It is used only when special events of the government are performed.
Special security measures taken by the military and the police during the Seventh Buddhist Summit around the venue in the city of Colombo.
Opening ceremony — The Main Conference Hall of Temple Trees, the Prime Minister’s House The sound of traditional Sri Lankan drums and trumpets echoed in the air.
Procession of the supreme Buddhist leaders starting from the decorated arch.
Procession of the supreme Buddhist leaders to the conference hall
Procession of the supreme Buddhist leaders.
Opening Ceremony Chief Prelates of major sects and chapters of Sri Lanka and the supreme Buddhist leaders of 47 countries over 5 continents in the world assembled in one hall. And the opening ceremony was grandly held in the presence of H.E. the President, Hon. the Prime Minister, Hon. the Minister of Buddhasasana, and Hon. the Deputy Speaker of Parliament and other cabinet members, Royal Families, Heads of State, as well as intellectuals and cultural figures.
H.E. Khamba Lama Gabju Choijamts Demberel, President, Most Ven. Dr. Shinkai Kori, Vice President, Most Ven. Weragoda Sarada Nayaka Maha Thero, Secretary General of Buddhist Summit, as well as H.E. President Maithripala Sirisena, Hon. Prime Minister Wickremesinghe, Hon, Minister of Buddha Sasana Gamini Jayawickrama Perera, and Hon. Deputy Speaker of the Parliament Thilanga Sumathipala of Sri Lanka, entering the hall.
Offering flowers to the Buddha statue.
Opening address by H.E. Khamba Lama Gabju Choijamts Demberel, President of Buddhist Summit.
Address by Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka.
Address by H.E. Maithripala Sirisena, President of Sri Lanka.
H.E. the President of Sri Lanka presenting a Buddha image to each supreme Buddhist leader.
Issuance of the special commemorative postage stamp of the Seventh Buddhist Summit by the Ministry of Posts and Postal Services
(From center to left): The President, the Vice President, the Secretary General of Buddhist Summit, and Hon. the Chairperson of the Organizing Committee
Royal Families and national leaders from overseas, the Ambassadors from various countries to Sri Lanka, as well as the intellectuals and cultural figures.
Honorable guests from various countries in the world and the cabinet members of the government of Sri Lanka.
Officials of the government, priests, and lay Buddhists of Sri Lanka.
Keynote speech by Most Ven. Dr. Shinkai Kori, Vice President of Buddhist Summit, Chief High Priest of Nenbutsushu Buddhist Sect of Japan
The supreme Buddhist leaders from 47 member countries and guests of honor intently listening to His Most Venerable.
Delivering a strong message to the world. A simultaneous interpretation was provided and the keynote speech booklet written in 3 languages, Japanese, English, and Sinhalese, were distributed on site.
Goodwill messages by honorable leaders of the world Address by Most Ven. Weragoda Sarada Maha Thero of Singapore. Part of over 1,200 congratulatory messages from the 5 continents in the world were introduced.
Secretary of Buddhist Summit reading out the messages.
CAMBODIA
H.R.H. Princess Norodom Marie on behalf of H.M. King Norodom Sihamoni
BHUTAN H.R.H. Princess Dechan Wangchuck
UGANDA H.M. King Apollo Sansa Kabumbuli II of Kooki Kingdom
MONGOLIA H.E. Bagabandi Natsag, former President
LAO PDR
Mr. Chanthavong Sene Amatmontry, Vice President of the Central Lao Front for National Development, on behalf of H.E. Bounnhang Vorachit, President of Lao PDR
Special Audience hosted by H.E. the President of Sri Lanka — President’s House, the Official Residence of the President
Special audience at the Official Residence of the President.
H.E. the President and Hon. the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, and the President, Secretary General and the Vice President of Buddhist Summit are seated.
Round-table meeting For 2 days from November 3 to 4, 2017, the supreme Buddhist leaders from the 47 member countries across the 5 continents in the world had a meeting on the theme of “Buddhism for World Peace.” They reported the circumstances of the propagation of Buddhism in their own countries.
Round-table Meeting in the Seventh Buddhist Summit
Reported was the circumstances of the propagation of Buddhism in each member country.
Presentation materials of the member countries being projected on the front screen and monitors.
President of Buddhist Summit chairing the round-table meeting.
Positive response being given after the presentation.
Active exchanges of opinions on the propagation of Buddhism.
At the end of the round-table meeting, a big applause sounding in the hall.
All the attendees standing and applauding with smiles
Supreme Buddhist leaders promising to work for the unity for world peace and the propagation of Buddhism.
After the round-table meeting, attendees standing and holding hands.
Buddhists in the world uniting as one, overcoming the differences in nationality and tradition.
Representatives of the 47 member countries to Buddhist Summit promising each other to join their forces for the further propagation of Buddhism.
Chanting sutras for world peace and the propagation of Buddhism On November 5, 2017, at the beginning of the closing ceremony, groups of Theravada monks, Mahayana monks, and Vajrayana monks respectively chanted sutras, praying for world peace and the propagation of Buddhism.
Chanting sutras by the supreme Buddhist leaders of Theravada Buddhism.
Supreme leaders of Theravada Buddhism putting their hands together in front of the stage.
Liaison officers of Sri Lanka are also putting their hands together behind them.
Chanting sutras by the supreme leaders of Mahayana Buddhism.
Chanting voices solemnly echoing in the hall.
Chanting sutras by the supreme leaders of Vajrayana Buddhism.
Praying for world peace and the propagation of Buddhism by chanting the sutras.
Closing ceremony On November 5, 2017, the closing ceremony was held at the Main Conference Hall of Temple Trees, the Prime Minister’s House. And the Colombo Declaration, the Joint Communique, which was unanimously adopted by the supreme Buddhist leaders of 47 countries in the world, was announced.
Address by Hon. Gamini Jayawickrama Perera, Minister of Buddhasasana.
Address by Hon. Karu Jayasuriya, Speaker of the Parliament.
Announcement of the Colombo Declaration 2017 by Most Ven. Weragoda Sarada Nayaka Maha Thero, Secretary General of Buddhist Summit, Chief Prelate of Singapore
Address by Hon. Thilanga Sumathipala, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament and Chairperson of the Organizing Committee for the Seventh Buddhist Summit.
Supreme Buddhist leaders of 47 countries across the 5 continents in the world listening to the speech with their hands put together in prayer.
The closing ceremony ended with sincere prayers of all the attendees for world peace, the propagation of Buddhism, and further prosperity of Sri Lanka.
Offering prayers to the Buddha.
Closing Ceremony of the Seventh Buddhist Summit
Holding each other’s hands with renewed determination for the further propagation of Buddhism.
Joint Press Conference — Joint press conference conducted in front of many press corps from home and abroad after the closing ceremony of the Seventh Buddhist Summit.
Organizing Committee members, Hon. the Minister of Buddhasasana, and government officials attending the press conference.
Media corps from various countries of the world.
Secretary General of Buddhist Summit accepting an interview.
Cultural Show, “Buddha Rashmi” In the evening of November 5, 2019 at Nelum Pokuna Theatre. Attendees of the Seventh Buddhist Summit were invited to the traditional cultural show of Sri Lanka.
Nelum Pokuna Theatre.
Impressive and wonderful dances and drama performances.
Gazing intently at the stage.
Study Tour — Pilgrimage to Anuradhapura and Dambulla Worshipping Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, the oldest sacred tree in the world
Supreme Buddhist leaders offering flowers.
Special space for worship prepared for the representatives of the Seventh Buddhist Summit.
Seats in front prepared for the Royal Families and Heads of State.
Sapling of the Maha Bodhi tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment was brought to Sri Lanka from India by Princess Theri Sanghamitta, a daughter of King Asoka.
Welcomed by a traditional music band of Sri Lanka.
At Golden Temple on the foot of Dambulla Rock Cave Temple. Taking commemorative photos against the background of the golden Buddha statue.
— Pilgrimage to Kandy Visiting Sri Dalada Maligawa, Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of the most precious temples in Sri Lanka
Commemorative tree planting at Peradeniya, the Royal Botanical Gardens in Kandy, the ancient city.
Commemorative tree planting of the Seventh Buddhist Summit
Commemorative photo session with the sapling of Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi.
At Sri Dalada Maligawa, Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Commemorative photo is taken with the supreme Buddhist leaders of 47 countries in the world.
Supreme Buddhist leaders offering flowers to the most sacred tooth relic.
Being interviewed on TV.
Preparation for the Seventh Buddhist Summit, World Buddhist Supreme Conference
Feature article of Weekly Economist (Jan.23, 2018).
(Courtesy of Mainichi Shimbun Publishing Inc.）
【Weekly Economist】 A prominent business magazine with a long history, launched in 1923. The Seventh Buddhist Summit, a national event of Sri Lanka, was extensively reported as the grand international Buddhist conference that H.E. the President and Hon. the Prime Minister attended. It also introduced the history, nature and the culture of Sri Lanka.
Feature article of Mainichi Forum (Jan. 10, 2018).
(Courtesy of The Mainichi Newspapers Co., Ltd.)
【Mainichi Forum】 A monthly policy information magazine published by The Mainichi Newspaper Co., Ltd. Its subscribers are mainly National Diet members, heads and senior officials of the central as well as the local governments all over Japan, policymakers at foreign embassies in Tokyo, top managements of private enterprises.
【Ministry of the Post and Postal Services of Sri Lanka.】Commemorative special postage stamp for the Seventh Buddhist Summit.
In commemoration of the Seventh Buddhist Summit, a special postage stamp was issued by the Ministry of the Post and Postal Services of Sri Lanka. In the center of cardboard with the traditional pattern of Sri Lanka, a postage stamp with the picture of Sri Dalada Maliguwa, Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, and the logo of the Seventh Buddhist Summit is put on and decorated above are the Buddhist flag, the national flag of Sri Lanka, and the Buddhist Summit flag. It was presented to the attendees who came from both home and abroad.
【International Buddhist Day】 Promoting International Buddhist Day to the world is specified in Colombo Declaration, the Joint Communique.
From Colombo Declaration We declare to make all-out effort to spread International Buddhist Day and promote the further propagation of Buddhism throughout the world by providing a variety of programs especially for young people, who will be our hope for the future, to get familiar with Buddhism.
【Media Coverage】 The Seventh Buddhist Summit was given prominent coverage on the national TV. Especially the Buddhist channel broadcast live and it was reported not only in Sri Lanka but also in various countries. There was a huge reaction from around the world. This national event was also covered by the newspapers in Sri Lanka.
Many newspapers including The Daily Mirror, the major English newspaper in Sri Lanka, the national TV, and the Internet extensively covered the Seventh Buddhist Summit
