The Vietnam Journal for Indian and Asian Studies (VJIAS) under the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS) and the Sri Lanka Embassy in Vietnam recently launched a special edition of the journal themed “Sri Lanka - Vietnam Buddhist and Historical Relations” and organised a talk about the issue.

A special edition of the Vietnam Journal for Indian and Asian Studies themed “Sri Lanka - Vietnam Buddhist and Historical Relations” is launched. Photo: vjias.vn

This special issue illustrates the knowledge and experience of the scholars of both countries on fundamental principles of Buddhism and Buddhist culture based on both Mahayana and Theravada traditions.

This publication has also been dedicated to celebrating the 52nd anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Sri Lanka (1970-2022) and the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Vietnam Journal for Indian and Asian Studies (2012-2022).

Most Venerable Lenagala Siriniwasa, Dean Department of Buddhist Studies of the University of Kelaniya, Dr. Rathnasiri Rathnayake, Senior lecturer Department of Buddhist Thought of the University of Kelaniya Bhikkhuni Thich Nu My Thuy from Center of Pali Studies, Vietnam Institute for of Buddhist studies, and Tran Ngoc Diem, Researcher Viet Nam Institute for Indian & Southwest Asian Studies commented on their scholarly contributions to the special issue.

Ambassador Prasanna Gamage and Dr Pham Cao Cuong, Standing Deputy Director General of VIIAS made opening remarks.

Speaking at the launching ceremony, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Institute of Indian and Southwest Asian Studies Pham Cao Cuong said that Vietnam and Sri Lanka are play an increasingly important role in international relations in South Asia, South East Asia, and multilateral forums including the United Nations.

In the context of limited information about Sri Lanka in Vietnam, one of the useful ways to promote mutual understanding between the two countries is cooperation in publication, he said, adding that the special edition on Sri Lanka is intended to develop effective and practical bilateral relations between Vietnam and Sri Lanka.

The journal first published a special edition on Sri Lanka in 2021, providing information about the country and people.

Ho Thi Thanh Truc, Ambassador of Vietnam to Sri Lanka and Dr. Ton Singh Thanh, former Ambassador of Vietnam to Sri Lanka also spoke at the event. Yasoja Gunasekera, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs delivered her remarks on the Vietnam – Sri Lanka bilateral relations.

Dr. Le Thi Hang Nga, Deputy Editor in Chief of VJIAS proposed a vote of thanks on behalf of Vietnam side and Mahesh Premathilake, Minister Counsellor of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Vietnam delivered a vote of thanks on behalf of Sri Lanka.

Satya Rodrigo, Director General of Southeast Asia of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka and other senior officials and academics and researchers of the VASS were in attendance at the event.

Dr Thich Nu Nhu Nguyet, a Buddhist nun and Director of the Buddhist Women's Research Center under the Vietnam Institute of Buddhist Studies, said that Buddhist and historical relations between Vietnam and Sri Lanka are a very interesting topic as it is a prominent aspect of the relationship between the two countries.

Although there are many Buddhist sects in Vietnam, Vietnamese Buddhism is also influenced by Theravada Buddhism from Sri Lanka. It can be said that Theravada Buddhism is the connection between Vietnam and Sri Lanka throughout history, creating a very unique feature in the relationship between the two countries.

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