A Maha Sangha Forum was held at the Biyagama Sri Bodhirukkharama Maha Viharaya to commemorate the 91st birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, bringing together senior Buddhist clergy, political representatives and lay devotees for a religious gathering centered on Buddhist unity and the preservation of Tibetan Buddhist heritage.
The event was presided over by the Most Venerable Dr. Malwane Pannasara Mahanayake Thera and was attended by 130 supreme monastic leaders representing the Three Nikayas, along with more than 300 lay devotees. The gathering also drew the participation of several public figures, including former Speaker Ashoka Ranwala, Biyagama Deputy Mayor Sugath Dissanayake, former Samagi Jana Balawegaya Provincial Minister U. George Perera, Sri Bodujana Peramuna District Organiser Jayantha Atapattu, and Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Organiser Ajith Kumara.
The forum was jointly organized by the Foundation for Buddhist Brotherhood, led by Dr. Damenda Porage, who serves as Deputy Secretary-General of the International Buddhist Confederation, together with Bodhirukkharama Maha Viharaya and the Biyagama Tri-Nikayika Sangha Council.
According to the organizers, the event highlighted India’s role in safeguarding Tibetan Buddhist heritage. They also recognized the support extended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi toward the preservation of Tibetan Buddhist traditions, describing it as a significant contribution to protecting the religious and cultural legacy of Tibetan Buddhism.
Religious observances formed a central part of the programme, with participants concluding the forum by chanting seth pirith and invoking blessings for His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, praying for a lifespan of 130 years. The ceremony also featured the signing of what organizers described as a historic joint blessing declaration, marking the conclusion of the formal proceedings.
Alongside the religious programme, the Foundation for Buddhist Brotherhood carried out a community welfare initiative through its Karuna Dhara Project. As part of the initiative, month-long essential nutritional packs were distributed to expectant mothers, with organizers stating that the effort was intended to mark the occasion through an act of compassion and community support.
The gathering combined religious observances, ceremonial proceedings and charitable outreach while bringing together members of the Buddhist clergy, public representatives and devotees to commemorate the Dalai Lama’s 91st birthday. The event concluded following the blessing ceremony, the signing of the joint declaration and the distribution of nutritional assistance under the Karuna Dhara Project.
