President Ranil Wickremesinghe held discussions on Thursday (07) with a delegation comprising representatives from the Global Tamil Forum (GTF) and Buddhist monks, as reported by the President’s Media Division (PMD) on Friday (08).
The PMD mentioned that the Joint Himalayan Declaration, a collaborative effort between the Global Tamil Forum and the Buddhist delegation, advocates for a pluralistic Sri Lanka that actively promotes the well-being of all its communities.
The declaration highlights the need to learn from the nation’s historical mistakes and emphasizes the necessity for implementing measures that ensure accountability.
The joint delegation included Buddhist monks Ven. Dr. Madampagama Assaji Tissa Thera, Anu Nayaka of Ambagahapitiya Chapter, Amarapura Nikya; Ven. Siyambalagaswewa Wimalasara Thera, Chief Sanganayaka of Northern and Eastern Provinces, Malwatta Chapter of Siam Nikaya; Ven. Kithalagama Hemasara Nayaka Thera, General Secretary, Siri Dharmarakshitha Chapter, and Chief Sanga Nayaka of Western Province; Ven. Prof. Pallekande Rathnasara Thera,
Acting Mahanayaka of Vajirawansa Chapter of Amarapura Nikaya; Ven. Kalupahana Piyaratana Thera, Former Member of SL Human Rights Council 2023, Chairperson of Human Development Edification Centre; Ven. Narampanawe Dhammaloka Thera, Chief Sanganayaka of Pathathumbara of Central Province, Asgiriya Chapter of Siam Nikaya; and Ven. Wadduwe Dhammawansa Thera, Deputy General Secretary, Ramagngna Nikaya.
Furthermore, the delegation comprised international representatives: Suren Surendiran (UK), Dr. Kannappar Mukunthan (Australia), Bhavan Bhavaguhan (UK), Prakash Rajasundram (Australia), Velupillai Kuhanendran (UK), Raj Thavaratnasingham (Canada), and Dr. Elias Joseph Jeyarajah (USA).
According to the PMD, the handover of the Joint Himalayan Declaration signifies a significant step towards fostering dialogue and collaboration for a harmonious and inclusive Sri Lanka. The President expressed appreciation for the initiative and committed to considering the recommendations outlined in the declaration.
