Maha Sangha conference to be held today

2026-02-20 - 03:47

The Maha Sangha Conference, attended by Buddhist monks from across the island, is scheduled to take place today (Feb. 20) at 2.00 p.m. at the premises of the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress (ACBC) in Colombo. The conference has been organized to address what organizers describe as the erosion of religious and cultural values in the country, and to condemn criticism and derogatory remarks directed at Buddhism on certain social media platforms. Commenting on the event, Chief Incumbent of Nalandaramaya, Nugegoda – Ven. Thiniyawala Palitha Thero stated, “The Maha Sangha and lay devotees have extended their full support to this initiative. We have received information that a group is planning to act against this gathering, and we are ready to respond. When we undertake a cause, we do not discriminate between favourable or unfavourable circumstances.” “We are prepared, whether it is good or bad. The prevailing environment created by the actions of the government, led by the President, has necessitated the holding of such a Sangha conference. We are ready to face any force. Approximately 76% of the country’s population are Buddhists, and they stand behind us in support. This is not a political movement. No matter what party they belong to, they’re all our supporters. We respectfully invite both clergy and laity to join this significant public movement,” The Thera added.