Sri Lanka will host the 60th anniversary celebrations of the World Buddhist Sangha Council from 28 November to 2 December, 2026, with more than 600 delegates expected to attend.
The conference will open at the Nagananda International Institute for Buddhist Studies in Kelaniya under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and several events will also be held in Anuradhapura and Kandy.
Preparations were reviewed at the Presidential Secretariat on 26 October. The meeting was led by World Buddhist Sangha Council Organising Committee Chairman Ven. Dr. Bodagama Chandima Thera, World Buddhist Sangha Council Secretary-General Ven. Dr. Maitipe Wimalasara Maha Thera and Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.
The delegates will include Buddhist monks representing Buddhist countries around the world, about 250 Sri Lankans living overseas and about 250 Sri Lankan Buddhist monks. The meeting noted that the arrival of a large number of foreign participants would help increase foreign exchange earnings and promote tourism.
The Council also plans to donate Rs. 500,000 to each of 15 Buddhist temples damaged by Cyclone Ditwah to support their restoration.
Discussions also covered security for all participating monks, including foreign monks and delegation members, along with medical facilities, first aid and other infrastructure. Infrastructure and decorations at the conference venues and in the surrounding cities were also discussed.
Other participants included World Buddhist Sangha Council Assistant Secretary Ven. Dr. Rambukewela Gnanaseeha Thera, along with other Buddhist monks. Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage also attended. So did Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Ministry Secretary Prince Senadheera and Commissioner-General of Buddhist Affairs R.M.G. Senaratne. Deputy Inspector General of Police Kalinga Jayasinghe was present, as was Sri Lanka Army Headquarters Personnel Administration Director Brigadier A.P.A.D.D. Dharmakeerthi. Government officials and heads of security agencies also took part.