Adding a significant milestone to global Buddhist scholarship, the Future Life International Buddhist Conference 2026 was successfully convened at the Senate Room of the University of Peradeniya on September 18, 2026.
Organized under the theme “Safeguarding the Heritage of Buddhist Traditions: Cross-Cultural Studies in Pali and Sanskrit Buddhist Traditions,” the landmark symposium was jointly hosted by the Foundation for Buddhist Brotherhood and the Faculty of Arts, University of Peradeniya.
The event served as an international academic platform, bringing together eminent monastic scholars, researchers, and intellectuals to foster deeper dialogue on the shared cultural, textual, and spiritual heritage of the Theravada and Mahayana traditions.
Global Academic Participation
The conference drew widespread international engagement, featuring research contributions from academics representing Sri Lanka, India, Myanmar, Tibet, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, Laos, Singapore, and Thailand.
Prominent international figures attending the symposium included Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choden Rinpoche, Secretary General of the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), and Most Ven. Nicholas Vreeland (Rato Khensur Rinpoche), former Abbot of the historic Rato Drastang Monastery, who delivered the keynote address.
The inaugural proceedings were graced by Most Ven. Dr. Niyangoda Vijithasiri Anunayake Thero, Deputy Prelate of the Malwatte Chapter of the Siam Nikaya. The valedictory session was attended by Most Ven. Alikewala Seelananda Nayake Thero, Chief Sanghanayake of the Colombo-Kalutara Districts and the Advisor to the Pali and Sanskrit Cultural Exchange Centre.
Key academic and organizational leaders present included:
• Prof. W.M.T. Madhujith, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya (Chief Guest);
• Prof. Prabath Ekanayake, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Conference Chairman;
• Dr. Damenda Porage, Founder Chairman of the Foundation for Buddhist Brotherhood and Deputy Secretary General of the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC);
• Dr. Shermila Milroy, Conference Secretary;
• Ven. Balangoda Seelarathana Thero, Director of the Pali and Sanskrit Cultural Exchange Centre;
• Ven. Prof. Lenagala Siriniwasa Thero, Ven. Prof. Miriswatte Wimalagnana Thero, Prof. Namali Kumari Handagama, and Prof. Rohitha Dassanayake.
Rigorous Academic Deliberations
A total of 36 peer-reviewed research papers were presented across eight interactive sittings, structured around five core thematic tracks:
- Textual and Doctrinal Studies – Pali and Sanskrit Buddhist Traditions
- Vinaya / Monastic Governance
- Spiritual Practices: Meditation, Bodhisatvas, Sages, Masters, Rituals
- Contemporary Social Issues – Buddhist Perspectives
- Buddhist History, Archaeology, and Art
The presentations provided comparative insights into the diverse regional expressions of Buddhist philosophy, highlighting both shared canonical foundations and unique developmental pathways across Asia.
Bridging Traditions for the Future
Beyond historical analysis, a primary focus of the conference was constructing sustainable academic bridges between Pali and Sanskrit traditions. Participants emphasized that safeguarding heritage extends beyond preserving ancient manuscripts to actively applying timeless Buddhist wisdom to modern social, ethical, and psychological challenges.
The conference concluded with a collective commitment to maintain this collaborative network across Asian academic institutions, reinforcing Sri Lanka’s standing as a vibrant hub for global Buddhist dialogue and cross-cultural scholarship.