The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Bucharest hosted a special mindfulness discourse and meditation session on 01 July 2025, led by Venerable Bhante Wijayarajapura Seelawansa Thera. The event brought together diplomats, religious leaders, members of parliament, academics, and members of the local and expatriate Sri Lankan communities for a morning of reflection and interfaith harmony.
President of the Sri Lanka European Sanga Council, Venerable Seelawansa Thera, a respected Buddhist monk based in Austria, delivered an inspiring discourse titled “The Buddha and the Path of Mind Training,” exploring the relevance of the Buddha’s teachings in today’s world. His discourse emphasized meditation as a universal tool for mental clarity, inner peace, and compassion, followed by guided meditation sessions for attendees to experience mindfulness firsthand.
Ambassador Madurika Joseph Weniger highlighted the absence of a Buddhist temple in Romania despite the vibrant Sri Lankan community in Bucharest and commended the Venerable thero’s offer to provide spiritual leadership toward establishing such a centre, supporting the spiritual and material wellbeing of the entire Sri Lankan community in Romania and neighbouring countries.
The event was honored by the presence of Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Bucharest, Aurel Percă along with representatives of the Romanian Catholic Churches. Their participation underscored a strong spirit of interfaith dialogue and mutual respect. On the previous day, Venerable Seelawansa Thera held a fruitful meeting with Archbishop Giampiero Gloder, Apostolic Nuncio to Romania and Moldova and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps. He is also scheduled to meet leaders of the Christian Orthodox Churches to further foster spiritual collaboration
In the late afternoon, Sri Lankan community leaders gathered to observe the Pāñcil ceremony (Five Precepts) and attended a Dhamma sermon, followed by a productive and engaging discussion addressing the spiritual wellbeing, cultural identity, and practical needs of the Sri Lankan community in Romania and Europe. The dialogue was enriched by thoughtful questions and meaningful exchanges, highlighting the importance of intergenerational support and collaborative initiatives.
All guests participated at the event were served a traditional Sri Lankan vegetarian lunch, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of the island nation.
This event marked a significant step towards strengthening the Buddhist presence in Romania and enhancing interfaith understanding, while reaffirming the Embassy’s commitment to support the spiritual and cultural needs of the Sri Lankan diaspora.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Bucharest
03 July 2025
