May 4, 2026-The Embassy of Nepal successfully conducted a pre-conference event in collaboration with the Sri Lanka–Nepal Buddhist Association at the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka.

The program commenced with welcome remarks by Ven. Wetara Mahinda Thero, President of the Sri Lanka–Nepal Buddhist Association. The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Vajira H. W. Dissanayake, Chair and Senior Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, on the topic “Professional Life Guided by Spirituality.” He emphasized the integration of spiritual values into professional life and highlighted the strong bonds between Sri Lanka and Nepal. The Ambassador expressed his honor in attending this pre-conference at the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka, conveying warm greetings from Nepal, the land of Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha.

He emphasized that Buddhism, science, and spirituality are not separate, but united through inquiry and understanding, as reflected in the Buddha’s teaching of ehipassiko (“come and see”). He highlighted the deep historical and spiritual ties between Nepal and Sri Lanka as Dhamma partners for over 2,500 years.The Ambassador noted that modern science increasingly supports Buddhist practices, such as mindfulness and meditation, showing that both science and spirituality explore the same truth. In conclusion, he invited scholars to continue this shared journey of inquiry and collaboration for peace and human well-being.

Following a brief interactive session, a panel discussion was held under the moderation of  Dr. Padmasiri Ranawakaarachchi with five distinguished panelists: Buddhism: Ven.Dr. Seela Gothami Therani,His Eminence Shyalpa Rinpoche, Nepal Similarly on the science topic Dr.Vinya Ariyaratne, President, Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement, Past President Sri Lanka, Medical Association (SLMA) Dr. Bibek Sharma, Assistance Research Professor ,Rangjung Yeshe Institute,Nepal, Spirituality by Ven. Wetara Mahinda Thero, President Sri Lanka –Nepal Buddhist Association were the panelists. The panel discussion highlighted that Buddhism, science, and spirituality are complementary paths that enhance human understanding and well-being. It emphasized mindfulness, ethical living, critical thinking, and the search for meaning, while underlining the importance of regular practice and interdisciplinary collaboration. The session concluded with the announcement of the call for papers by Dr. Ravindu Abeywardhana for the upcoming International Research Conference which is planning to be held on 5^th of September 2026, followed by a vote of thanks by Mr. Vijay Kumar Raut.The event concluded with group photographs. Later, a Vesak (Buddha Jayanti) program was held at the Nepal MBC office, including flower offerings and chanting for the well-being of all beings. Overall, the program was successfully conducted, strengthening academic dialogue and the spiritual bond between Nepal and Sri Lanka.