Attending the reception were representatives of the leadership of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs (GCRA), the Department of International Cooperation, and the Ministry Office. On the Sri Lankan side were Mr. Poshitha Perera, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Sri Lanka to Vietnam; Mr. R.M. Gamini Senarathne, Director General of the Department of Buddhist Affairs of Sri Lanka; alongside Most Venerables and senior monks representing The Buddhist Sangha of Sri Lanka.

The reception served as an opportunity to discuss, enhance mutual understanding, exchange experience in the state management of religious affairs, and promote cultural exchange as well as Buddhist education between the two nations, aiming to materialize the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the two Ministries under the witness of General Secretary and State President of Vietnam Tô Lâm during his recent visit to Sri Lanka.

Speaking at the meeting, on behalf of the leadership of the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, Deputy Minister Nguyễn Hải Trung warmly welcomed the Sri Lankan delegation on their working visit to Vietnam. The Deputy Minister affirmed that the relationship between Vietnam and Sri Lanka is a traditional friendship, tested through time and historical upheavals.

He recalled the historic milestone of 1970 when the two countries officially established diplomatic relations, while expressing deep gratitude for the impartial support rendered by the people of Sri Lanka to Vietnam during its struggle for national independence and reunification through the activities of the Vietnam - Sri Lanka Friendship Association established in 1966.  

Deputy Minister Nguyễn Hải Trung speaks at the reception

Deputy Minister Nguyễn Hải Trung noted that the MOU signed between the two Ministries last May serves as a guiding compass, helping substantiate cooperation in religious affairs and further guaranteeing the freedom of belief and religion for the citizens of each country. The Deputy Minister also welcomed the delegation from the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs of Sri Lanka and The Sri Lankan Buddhist Sangha on their visit and presentation of The Sacred Relics of the Bodhi tree to Vietnam on this occasion.

“The Sacred Relics of the Bodhi tree are not only a spiritually precious gift but also a ‘living heritage,’ symbolizing the enduring vitality of the Vietnam - Sri Lanka friendship. Planting this sacred Bodhi tree at Van Phuc Pagoda (Hanoi) is a highly symbolic act, contributing to spiritually connecting Buddhist followers in both nations” affirmed Deputy Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs Nguyễn Hải Trung.

Deputy Minister Gamagedara Disanayaka speaks at the reception

In response, Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs of Sri Lanka Gamagedara Disanayaka expressed deep gratitude for the solemn and warm reception from the Vietnamese side. He affirmed that Vietnam has always held a special place in the hearts of the Sri Lankan people.

The Sri Lankan Deputy Minister highly commended Vietnam’s remarkable development and considered the tightening of religious connections a lasting bond uniting the peoples of both nations. He mentioned the launch of the direct flight connecting the two countries just 10 days earlier as a significant milestone, facilitating pilgrimage delegations and cultural Buddhist exchanges to develop more vigorously than ever.

Deputy Minister Nguyễn Hải Trung presents souvenir to Deputy Minister Gamagedara Disanayaka

During the reception, Deputy Minister Nguyễn Hải Trung and Deputy Minister Gamagedara Disanayaka exchanged views on the initiative to establish a Sri Lankan Buddhist cultural space in Vietnam. Drawing from experience in building pagodas and Buddhist centers in India and Japan, the Sri Lankan Deputy Minister proposed developing the project under a socialized model to conform to host-country regulations. He expressed that a Sri Lankan pagoda in Vietnam similar to Vietnam's Truc Lam Pagoda in Kandy would be a place where Buddhist student-monks and student-nuns from both countries could cultivate Dharma practice and exchange knowledge, while also serving as a cultural destination for Sri Lankan tourists visiting Vietnam.   

Regarding the proposal, Deputy Minister Nguyễn Hải Trung stated that Vietnamese law does not currently possess specific regulations on granting land for foreign organizations to establish religious institutions; however, the Government always respects and acknowledges legitimate aspirations from partners. He noted that the Ministry will take the lead and coordinate with relevant authorities to study a suitable cooperation model, ensuring strict adherence to the rule of law while satisfying the demand for Buddhist cultural exchanges between the two nations.

In education, Deputy Minister Nguyễn Hải Trung affirmed maximum support so that Sri Lankan scholarship programs can reach Vietnamese Buddhist student-monks and student-nuns through the educational system of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha.  

Concluding the reception, Deputy Minister Gamagedara Disanayaka extended a cordial invitation to Deputy Minister Nguyễn Hải Trung to pay an official visit to Sri Lanka, reiterating the Sri Lankan Government’s commitment to close coordination in translating the contents of the Memorandum of Understanding into in-depth, substantive benefits for the Buddhist community and people of both countries.