H.E. the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Russian Federation and the Secretary of the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs of Sri Lanka took part in the I International Buddhist Forum in Ulan-Ude, Russia
The I International Buddhist Forum "Traditional Buddhism and Challenges of Modernity", which was held 17-19 August 2023 was attended by over 600 people from 13 countries including representatives of science, authorities, politicians, religious figures and monks.

The participants held discussions on the development of Buddhist education and international cooperation of countries where Buddhism is widespread, the position of this teaching in modern society and the information space, the preservation of cultural and historical heritage, and oriental medicine.
Prof. Liyanage Janitha Abeywickrema, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Russian Federation, in her address to the gathering underlined the importance of Buddhism in the policy of Sri Lanka and invited all the participants of the Forum to visit Sri Lanka for Vesak Day, which will be held on May 22, 2024. The Sri Lankan delegation, which included Mr. Somaratne Vidanapathirana, Secretary of the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs of Sri Lanka, discussed cooperation in the field of Buddhism with their Russian counterparts and built new links to further strengthen the community of Buddhists and researchers from different countries.