Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has called for stronger cooperation among Theravada Buddhist countries, describing Anuradhapura as a sacred centre for Buddhists across the region and highlighting Sri Lanka’s historical role in spreading Buddhism to Southeast Asia.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony of the pinnacle of the Mihindu Maha Seya in Mihintale, Wickremesinghe said Sri Lanka and Thailand shared centuries-old religious and cultural ties that should be strengthened through economic cooperation.
He stressed that Anuradhapura should not be viewed as a sacred city belonging exclusively to Sri Lankan Buddhists, but as a place of religious significance to the wider Theravada Buddhist community.
Drawing comparisons with other major religious sites, he said Anuradhapura held a special place for Theravada Buddhists, just as the Vatican, Jerusalem and Mecca were sacred to followers of other religions.
Wickremesinghe also renewed his call for the establishment of a “Theravada economy”, referring to his previous efforts to strengthen economic ties with Buddhist-majority countries, including the signing of a free trade agreement with Thailand.
Tracing the history of Theravada Buddhism in Sri Lanka, he referred to the arrival of Arahant Mahinda Thera during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa, following the Third Buddhist Council in India.
He said Sri Lankan Buddhist monks later played a significant role in spreading Theravada teachings to Thailand and Cambodia, while religious exchanges between the countries helped preserve and restore Buddhist traditions over the centuries.
Addressing the constitutional status of Buddhism, Wickremesinghe said both Sri Lanka and Thailand recognised the importance of protecting Buddhism while guaranteeing religious freedom.
He noted that Article 9 of Sri Lanka’s Constitution gives Buddhism the foremost place, while emphasising that every citizen must have the freedom to practise their religion of choice without discrimination.
The former President also highlighted Thailand’s historical support for Buddhism, including the contribution of King Rama V to Anagarika Dharmapala’s efforts concerning the Buddhist holy site of Bodh Gaya in India.
Wickremesinghe thanked the Thai people and Thailand’s visiting Deputy Prime Minister for their contribution to the restoration and unveiling of the stupa’s pinnacle.
He concluded by expressing his wish that the religious merit of the ceremony be shared with the King of Thailand and the Thai people.
