Senaka Weeraratna (with AI assistance)

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The Vietnamese Buddhist Monk Ven. Pannakara Thero is on the Global centre stage today. His Walk for Peace in the USA lasting 108 Days across 8 States has raised the stature of Vietnam in the Buddhist World to an unparalleled high level. He has brought world attention to a cause of Buddhism –

in the USA  – ‘ Declare Vesak a National Holiday ‘  without firing a single bullet without using a gun without an iota of violence. 

He has created a new dimension for peaceful protests in the USA like what Mahatma Gandhi did in India in his day about 100 years ago when demanding freedom and independence from Britain by use of non – violence and satyagraha.

 All strength to the elbow of Ven. Pannakara and his travelling band of 19 Monks. He has given leadership to the cause of Buddhism at a time when the term ‘leadership’ and ‘outspokenness’ for any cause of Buddhism are virtually non – existent and conspicuous by their absence. 

Ven. Pannakara has the potential of being idolized worldwide like a Rock Star but for noble worthy causes. He has done for Buddhism with his simplicity and directness which no other Buddhist figure has done in recent times. He has become the rage that is sweeping the entire globe and touching the hearts of both Buddhists and Non – Buddhists alike. 

Being the country that has the longest history of uninterrupted Sri Lanka must unhesitatingly invite Ven. Pannakara and his band of 19 Theravada monks visit Sri Lanka to a warm welcome and as part of the oncoming Vesak Celebration. Let us Buddhists tell Ven. Pannakara and his gallant band that ‘ We and them are One’ 

Let us also use this occasion to remind the Vietnamese Buddhists that 63 years ago both the Govt. of Sri Lanka and the Buddhist Public stood by them in their hour of crisis. 

Vietnam and Sri Lanka Buddhist Ties

Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) played a pivotal role in supporting Vietnamese Buddhists during the 1963 Buddhist Crisis, providing both diplomatic pressure and grassroots solidarity. 

Key support from Sri Lanka included:

• Diplomatic Efforts: Prime Minister

Sirimavo Bandaranaike

instructed Sri Lanka’s UN Ambassador,

R. S. S. Gunawardena to raise concerns about the repression in South Vietnam.

• UN Intervention: Sri Lanka’s appeals contributed to the UN General Assembly adopting a motion on October 8, 1963, to send a fact-finding mission to investigate the situation.
• Public Demonstrations: Organizations like the Bauddha Jatika Balavegaya (BJB) led by L.H. Mettananda organized large public protests in Colombo.
• Spiritual Support: Venerable

Narada Maha Thera

undertook “Dharmaduta” missions to South Vietnam.

• Lasting Connection: Sri Lanka established strong ties with Vietnamese Buddhist leaders, a relationship that continues to this day through mutual support and cultural exchange. 

……………..

In 1963,

both the government and the people of Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) provided significant moral, public, and diplomatic support to Vietnamese Buddhists during their crisis against the Ngo Dinh Diem regime. The support was driven by solidarity with fellow Buddhists facing discrimination and religious repression. 

Sri Lanka’s assistance included various actions. 

The Bauddha Jatika Balavegaya (BJB) organized public protests, including a massive rally at Ananda College, Colombo in October 1963

Prime Minister

Sirimavo Bandaranaike

directed Sri Lanka’s UN Ambassador to raise the issue internationally. These efforts, along with those of other nations, led to the UN General Assembly adopting a motion on October 8, 1963, to send a fact-finding mission to South Vietnam. A few days after the arrival of the Sri Lanka instigated UN fact – finding mission in Saigon the dictator Ngo Dinh Diem and his Government were overthrown on November 2, 1963

Religious leaders in Sri Lanka, such as Venerable

Narada Maha Thera , also expressed support. Sri Lanka also acknowledged the sacrifices of Vietnamese monks who protested the regime. This support played a role in the international response to the 1963 Buddhist Crisis. 

See also

Shenali Waduge

Remembering the martyrdom of Vietnamese Buddhist monk Thich Quang Duc on its 50th Anniversary (1963 – 2013)

https://www.onlanka.com/news/remembering-the-martyrdom-of-vietnamese-buddhist-monk-thich-quang-duc-on-its-50th-anniversary-1963-2013.html

see also

https://vufo.org.vn/Buddhist-Sangha-and-Vietnam-Sri-Lanka-Friendship-Association-Give-Gifts-to-Sri-Lankans-07-48632.html?lang=en

https://www.dailymirror.lk/front-page/Beauty-queen-turned-Bhikkhuni/238-184663