News
SL Buddhist delegation visits venue of First Parliament of World’s Religions in Chicago
A delegation of Sri Lankan and American Buddhist monks and nuns visited the historic site of the First Parliament of the World’s Religions, held in September 1893 at the Art Institute of Chicago on Michigan Avenue. The visit marked the occasion of Vesak 2569, said a press release issued by the Jambudvipa Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple, Sarnath, Varanasi, India.
It said: The Parliament, held from Sept 11 to 20, 1893, was a groundbreaking interreligious event that introduced Eastern philosophies to the Western world. It was famously attended by Anagarika Dharmapala, the founder of the Maha Bodhi Society, who represented Southern Buddhism, and Swami Vivekananda, a revered Hindu monk who powerfully introduced Vedanta and Hindu philosophy to a global audience.
The event took place in the Fullerton Hall of the Art Institute, which still preserves the original platform where both leaders delivered their now-historic addresses. Anagarika Dharmapala’s profound speech, ‘The World’s Debt to the Buddha’, brought Buddhist teachings of peace, compassion, and mindfulness to international attention. Swami Vivekananda’s address on religious tolerance and universal brotherhood is remembered as a defining moment in India’s spiritual contribution to the modern world.
On May 12, 2025, the historic venue welcomed Ven Dr. K. Siri Sumedha Thero, Chief Incumbent of Jambudvipa Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple, Sarnath, Varanasi, India, accompanied by Bhanthe K. Ghanissara and Bhanthe Dhamadassi of the Blue Lotus Temple, Chicago, along with Ven Bhikshuni P. Sudarshana of Samadhi Meditation Center, Florida.
The delegation offered prayers, chanted Buddhist sutras, and paid homage to the Buddha, as well as to the great religious pioneers of the 19th century, Anagarika Dharmapala and Swami Vivekananda. The solemn ceremony honored their contributions to global interfaith dialogue and the spread of Dharma in the West.
The modern Asian Art galleries of the Art Institute—dedicated to the cultures of India, China, Japan, and Korea—now include Buddha images and exhibits that echo the spiritual roots of the 1893 Parliament. These galleries serve as a bridge between past and present, preserving a vital chapter in the history of world religions.
The Government of Chicago continues to maintain and preserve the Fullerton Hall auditorium, recognizing its enduring significance as a beacon of interfaith understanding and spiritual legacy.
The visit concluded with prayers for world peace, universal happiness, and a reaffirmation of the timeless messages of compassion, tolerance, and unity shared at the first Parliament over 130 years ago.
The Indonesian Naval Ship, ‘KRI SULTAN ISKANDAR MUDA – 367’, arrived at the port of Colombo today (22 Jan 26) on a scheduled port call for logistics replenishment and a goodwill mission.
In keeping with time-honored naval tradition the ship was accorded a ceremonial welcome upon arrival.
The 90.71m – long Sigma Corvette FS is commanded by Commander Annugerah Anurullah.
During the stay in Colombo, the crew members of the ship are expected to visit some tourist attractions in the city limits.
Further, this visit provides an avenue to enhance professional interaction and courtesy engagements among two navies.
The Royal Navy of Oman Ship ‘AL SEEB’ arrived at the Port of Colombo on a logistics replenishment visit today (22 Jan 26).
The Sri Lanka Navy welcomed the visiting ship in compliance with naval traditions.
The 75m – long ship is commanded by Lieutenant Commander Hamad Bin Mohammed Aldarmaki. The port call will facilitate professional interaction and goodwill exchanges between the two navies.
During her stay in Colombo, crew members of the ship are expected to visit some tourist attractions in the city of Colombo.
News
Mechanism to be established involving university academics and experts for Education Reforms – President
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that the Government is taking steps to establish a comprehensive mechanism, supported by an appropriate legal framework, to bring together university academics, experts and all relevant parties in order to resolve issues arising during the implementation of education reforms.
The President made these remarks during a discussion with the Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA) held on Wednesday (21) morning at the Presidential Secretariat.
During the discussion, FUTA members emphasized the challenges encountered while trying to implement educational reforms through a framework established by the National Institute of Education, in line with the current laws and regulations.
They further emphasized that while their association acknowledges the need for new education reforms, the urgency of such reforms is greater for students in rural schools than for those in urban schools.
The Federation of University Teachers’ Associations further stated that they appreciate the decision taken by the Government, under the leadership of the President, to address the issues arising from education reforms and affirmed their readiness to contribute to this process.
As a continuation of the previous discussion, proposals addressing the challenges faced by academics within the university system, along with possible solutions, were presented to the President. In response, the President emphasized that the Government would take all possible measures to safeguard the university system and strengthen education.
The discussion also covered proposed amendments to the Universities Act.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake noted that, in the aftermath of the recent disaster, the Government has been effectively implementing a nationwide rebuilding programme, addressing economic stability, development and all critical sectors. The President also called upon university academics to actively support these reconstruction efforts.
The meeting was attended by Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, Anura Karunathilaka, as well as representatives of the Federation of University Teachers’ Associations, including its President, Prof. P. R. Weerathunga, Vice President M. A. M. Sameem and Secretary Charudaththe Ilangasinghe.
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