The Future Life International Buddhist Conference 2026, convened under the theme “Preserving the Heritage of Buddhist Traditions: A Cross Cultural Study of Pali and Sanskrit Buddhist Traditions,” was held on 18 September 2026 at the Senate Hall of the University of Peradeniya, Kandy, Sri Lanka. Organized by the Buddhist Brotherhood Foundation and Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies, Faculty of Arts, University of Peradeniya in collaboration with International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), the conference provided a distinguished platform for scholars, monks, and researchers to engage in extensive international dialogue on the scholarly, cultural, and spiritual heritage of Pali and Sanskrit Buddhist traditions.

It is noteworthy that contributions were received not only from Sri Lanka but also from India, Myanmar, China, and Thailand, reflecting the participation of both local and international scholars. The conference thus served as a broad forum for the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and academic perspectives across diverse Buddhist traditions. The international dimension was further highlighted by the presence of revered monks and nuns, including Venerable Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choden Rinpoche, Secretary General, IBC, and Most Venerable Nicholas Vreeland Thero, Former Abbot of Rato Dratsang. Prominent Sri Lankan scholars and monks also graced the occasion, among them Venerable Director Balangoda Seelaratana; Dr. Daminda Porage (Deputy General Secretary, IBC), and Dr. Sharmila Milroy (Registrar of the Pali and Sanskrit Cultural Exchange Centre.

Research Discussions Across Five Academic Themes

The presentation and review of research papers were organized under five principal themes:

1. Doctrine Studies (Pali and Sanskrit Buddhist Traditions)

2. Vinaya and Monastic Administration

3. Spiritual Practices

4. Contemporary Social Issues (from a Buddhist Perspective)

5. Buddhist History and Archaeology (Art and Architectural Design)

Within these themes, thirty nine papers were presented, representing diverse countries and traditions. The discussions illuminated both the shared foundations and the distinctive cultural expressions of Buddhism, thereby enriching comparative scholarship.

A Platform for Scholarly Relations Between Traditions

A central objective of the Future Life International Buddhist Conference was to foster dialogical research between the Pali and Sanskrit traditions and to cultivate enduring scholarly relationships among different Buddhist traditions. The proceedings emphasized the recognition of unique identities within these traditions, the exchange of knowledge and experiences, and the strengthening of inter traditional brotherhood.

By bringing together scholars from varied linguistic, cultural, and spiritual backgrounds, the conference not only reaffirmed the importance of preserving the Buddhist heritage of the past but also sought to connect it meaningfully with the contemporary world, ensuring its transmission to future generations.

Representing India, IBC Secretary General (SG) Venerable Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche addressed the International Academic Conference organised by ‘Future Life’ in collaboration with the IBC. It brought together an international network of monastic scholars and experts in Pali and Sanskrit traditions.

As a distinguished international guest at the Conference, SG, IBC highlighted India’s deep reverence for the Buddha Dhamma, fondly recollected IBC’s remarkable journey over the last 14 years of service to the Buddha Sasana, and highlighted the message of Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi at the UN that India has given the world “Buddha, not Yuddha”. Quoting from the Prātimokṣa tradition, the SG called for greater harmony, dialogue and interaction among the diverse Buddhist traditions.

Underscoring the enduring spiritual and civilizational bonds between India and Sri Lanka, he acknowledged the support and guidance of the Sri Lankan Buddhist Sangha and called for collective efforts to benefit all sentient beings.

During his interaction with Venerable monks, and in a gesture of profound reverence to the Mahasangha, the SG offered Chivar Dana to Most Ven. Niyangoda Vijithasiri Thero, Anunayaka Thero of the Malawattha chapter.

The Secretary General of the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), Venerable Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche, paid a reverential visit to the Most Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thera, the 26th Mahanayaka Thera and Head of the Malwatta Chapter of the Siam Nikaya, at his residence in the historic Malwatta Temple, Kandy, Sri Lanka.

In the course of this solemn audience, the Secretary General respectfully sought the blessings of the Most Venerable Mahanayaka Thera, thereby honouring his profound spiritual leadership and the enduring heritage of the Sri Lankan Buddhist Sangha. The meeting was marked by deep reverence and mutual recognition of the sacred responsibility borne by the custodians of the Dhamma in safeguarding and transmitting the Buddhist tradition across generations.

The Secretary General also apprised the Most Venerable Mahanayaka Thera of the multifaceted charter of the IBC, elaborating upon its programmes, initiatives, and international events through which the Confederation engages the global Buddhist community. He emphasized IBC’s role in fostering dialogue among diverse Buddhist traditions, strengthening inter Sangha relations, and advancing the collective mission of preserving and promoting the timeless values of the Buddha’s teachings.

19 September 2026

The Secretary General of the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) had the honour of paying a reverential call upon the Most Venerable Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Thera, the 22nd Mahanayaka Thera (Chief Prelate) and Head of the Asgiriya Chapter of the Siam Nikaya , at the historic Asgiri Maha Vihara Pirivena, Kandy, Sri Lanka.

In the course of this solemn audience, the Secretary General expressed profound respect and deep reverence for the Most Venerable Mahanayaka Thera’s long, distinguished, and unwavering service to the Buddha Sasana. He apprised the Chief Prelate of the recent global activities, programmes, and expositions undertaken by the IBC, highlighting the Confederation’s continuing mission to foster unity, dialogue, and collaboration among Buddhist communities worldwide.

The Secretary General further acknowledged the invaluable spiritual guidance and leadership of the Most Venerable Mahanayaka Thera, whose presence has graced several important international events organized by the IBC in the past. The Confederation remains deeply privileged and honoured by his participation, which has lent great moral strength and spiritual legitimacy to its endeavours.

19 September 2026

Continuing his series of engagements in Sri Lanka, the Secretary General of the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) paid his respects to the Most Venerable Makulawe Wimala Thera, the 14th and current Mahanayaka Thera (Chief Prelate) and Head of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Nikaya, at the Headquarters of the Maha Viharavanshika Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya in Colombo.

During this solemn audience, thematic discussions were held on the challenges and opportunities faced by newly ordained monks in leading their monastic lives amidst the realities of the contemporary digital era. The dialogue underscored the importance of safeguarding traditional discipline while adapting wisely to the evolving social and technological environment.

The Secretary General also acquainted the Most Venerable Mahanayaka Thera with the diverse programmes, international events, and Holy Relics expositions being undertaken by the IBC, highlighting the Confederation’s programmatic contributions at the global level in service of the Dhamma.

Venerable Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choedon Rinpoche, Secretary General IBC, paid a visit to the Semkay Ling Pali and Sanskrit Cultural Exchange Centre (PSCEC), at Heiyanthuduwa, Sri Lanka at the invitation of Dr. Damenda Porage, Chairman, PSCEC and Deputy Secretary General IBC.

The Secretary General of IBC also presented a golden statue of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion which was ceremonially enshrined at the Holy Relics Chamber of the Centre, on 20 September 2026 in the presence of Venerable Balangoda Seelarathana Thero, Director of the Pali and Sanskrit Cultural Exchange Centre; Dr. Shermila Milroy, the Registrar, and members of the staff at the PSCEC.