The Global Buddhist Summit 2026, the world’s largest Buddhist conference, commenced with great splendor yesterday (January 24) at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, India. This marks the second time the summit is being held. The event is organized jointly by the Ministry of Culture and Religious Affairs, representing the Government of India, and the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC).
The theme for this year’s summit is “Collective Wisdom, United Voice, Peaceful Coexistence.” More than a thousand participants, including Buddhist monks, spiritual leaders, and lay scholars representing over 40 countries from around the world, attended the summit.
The Minister of Culture of India, Mr. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, attended as the Chief Guest, while the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs of India, Mr. Kiren Rijiju, attended as the Special Guest.
Following religious observances conducted according to both Pali and Sanskrit Buddhist traditions, the gathering was welcomed by the Secretary-General of the International Buddhist Confederation, Venerable Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche. This was followed by addresses from the invited guests and the commencement of educational sessions.
Representing Sri Lanka, the Most Venerable Narampanawe Ananda Nayaka Thero, the newly elected Anunayaka of the Asgiriya Chapter of the Siyam Nikaya, noted that this is his first foreign program since his appointment, making it a very special occasion.
In addition, several scholarly monks represented Sri Lanka at the summit, including:
- Most Ven. Dr. Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Mahanayaka Thero, President of the International Buddhist Societies Federation.
- Most Ven. Dr. Madampagama Assaji Mahanayaka Thero, Member of the Inter-Religious Committee.
- Ven. Handaganawa Wimaladhamma Thero, Principal of the Asgiriya Maha Vihara Pirivena.
- Ven. Tibbatuwawe Siddhartha Thero, Member of the Karaka Sangha Sabha of the Malwathu Maha Vihara.
Buddhist scholars from Sri Lanka also participated, including Dr. Damenda Porage, Deputy Secretary General of the IBC and Founder of the Buddhist Brotherhood Foundation, and Dr. Sharmila Milroy, Registrar of the Pali and Sanskrit Cultural Exchange Center. The Swarnavahini Media Network is providing media coverage for this Buddhist summit on behalf of Sri Lanka.