Representatives of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and Vietnam - Sri Lanka Friendship Association presented aid to the people of Sri Lanka through the Sri Lankan Ambassador to Vietnam. (Photo: Valerie Mai/ VNT)
The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and Vietnam - Sri Lanka Friendship Association donated VND 1 billion, including VND 500 million from the Buddhist Sanga, USD 20,000 from Layman Xuan Truong and Bai Dinh pagoda, and VND 50 million from members of the Vietnam - Sri Lanka Friendship Association. The money aims to support Sri Lankans during their economic and political crisis.
Most Venerable Thich Thanh Nhieu - Standing Vice Chairman of the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha said: "Vietnam and Sri Lanka have historical relations dating back thousands of years in which Buddhism is the bridge that opens the way for the similar cultural relationship between the two countries. Vietnam and Sri Lanka also have many similarities in the history of fighting for national independence. The two countries always give each other sincere support and help. Vietnamese and Sri Lankan Buddhists have always been sincere brothers."
In recent years, Sri Lankan Buddhism and the Sri Lankan Government have participated in and supported the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha to organize three Vesak in 2008, 2014, and 2019.
Most Venerable Thich Thanh Nhieu emphasized the gift showed the affection of monks, nuns, Buddhists, and people of Vietnam to the people of Sri Lanka. It expresses sympathy, sharing, and solidarity, friendship in joining hands with the people of Sri Lanka to overcome the current difficult period.
Expressing his thanks for the help of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and the Vietnam - Sri Lanka Friendship Association, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Vietnam Prasanna Gamage agreed that Sri Lanka and Vietnam shared many common values, especially Buddhism.
Over the years, the governments and peoples of the two countries have stepped up cooperation in various fields. The friendship between the two countries is demonstrated through mutual support in difficult times. This grant from the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and the Vietnam - Sri Lanka Friendship Association once again affirms that spirit.
The Sri Lankan Ambassador to Vietnam said that in the last century, many Sri Lankan monks have come to Vietnam to build the first Buddhist links between the two countries. Nowadays, many Vietnamese people come to Sri Lanka to study and research Buddhism. Religious tourism is developing, helping to enhance mutual understanding between the two peoples.
Q.Hoa t.h/ Thoidai
