Bauddhaloka Foundation Hosts Bauddhaloka Literary Festival 2025 Award Ceremony Under the Patronage of Mr. Jagath Sumathipala

The Bauddhaloka Foundation marked a significant cultural milestone on Tuesday, 21st October 2025, by hosting the Bauddhaloka Literary Festival 2025 Award Ceremony at the Lotus Hall of the BMICH. Held under the distinguished patronage of Mr. Jagath Sumathipala, Chairman of the Bauddhaloka Foundation, the event celebrated and evaluated Buddhist literary works produced between 2020 and 2024.

This year’s ceremony embraced the theme “The Buddhist Archaeological Heritage of the Northern Province,” reflecting the Foundation’s commitment to preserving and promoting Sri Lanka’s rich Buddhist literary and archaeological heritage.

The event was graced by the presence of several eminent Buddhist leaders whose contributions continue to strengthen the nation’s spiritual and cultural landscape, including:

• Venerable Dr. Niyangoda Dharmakeerthi Sri Sangarakkitha Vijithasiri Thero, Anunayaka- Malwatta Chapter
• Ven. Wedaruwe Upali Thero, Anunayaka – Asgiri Chapter
• Ven. Prof. Pallekande Ratanasara Anunayake Thero
• Ven. Waleboda Gunasiri Anunayaka Thero

  Their presence underscored the importance of honoring scholarly excellence and safeguarding Buddhist knowledge for future generations.

  Several distinguished state leaders also attended, adding national prominence to the ceremony. Among them were H.E. Maithripala Sirisena, Hon. Karu Jayasuriya, Hon. Gamagedara Disanayake, and Mr. R.M. Gamini Senarathna. Their participation highlighted the collective commitment to recognizing valuable contributions in the field of Buddhist literature.

  Addressing the audience, Mr. Jagath Sumathipala emphasized the significance of revitalizing Buddhist studies, protecting archaeological heritage, and supporting researchers who document and preserve Sri Lanka’s spiritual legacy. He reaffirmed the Foundation’s dedication to fostering scholarly growth, cultural understanding, and national pride.

  The Bauddhaloka Literary Festival 2025 Award Ceremony stands as a meaningful tribute to the authors, researchers, and custodians of Buddhist knowledge whose work enriches the nation’s literary and cultural identity.

Sri Lanka Strengthens Global Buddhist Representation at the 75th WFB Conference

The World Fellowship of Buddhists
(WFB), one of the most influential global organisations dedicated to the
advancement of Buddhist philosophy, celebrated its 75^th Anniversary
recently at Vajiravudh College in Bangkok, bringing together delegates from
more than 170 regional centres worldwide. As part of the anniversary programme,
the WFB also held its 31^st General Conference, along with the
22^nd General Conference of the World Fellowship of Buddhist
Youth (WFBY) and the 13^th Council Meeting of the World Buddhist
University (WBU) highlighting Buddhist fellowship, youth engagement, and
academic collaboration.

Founded in 1950 by the renowned
Pali scholar Prof. G. P. Malalasekera, the WFB brought together 129 delegates
from 27 countries, uniting laity and sangha from nearly all Buddhist traditions
for the first time in history. The conference aims to strengthen and share the
Buddha’s teachings while fostering unity among Buddhists, and to continue
social, cultural, educational, and humanitarian initiatives in collaboration
with organisations working toward these shared goals. This year’s gathering
focused on deepening dialogue across Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana
traditions, and on addressing key contemporary issues including environmental
stewardship, sustainable development in line with the UN SDGs, and youth
engagement. Accompanied by a distinguished delegation of Sri Lankan members,
Mr. Jagath Sumathipala, the Vice President of WFB represented Sri Lanka at the
Conference, continuing the nation’s longstanding leadership in international
Buddhist affairs.

Speaking on his participation at
this year’s event, Mr. Jagath Sumathipala noted, “It is an honour to
represent Sri Lanka at the 75^th Anniversary of the World
Fellowship of Buddhists. As a nation with deep-rooted Buddhist traditions and
the birthplace of this very organisation, we carry forward a responsibility to
uphold the values of peace, compassion, and unity that the WFB stands for. This
conference is not only a celebration of the past 75 years but a renewed call to
safeguard the Dhamma for future generations.”

A respected philanthropist and
former President of the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress, Mr. Jagath Sumathipala
has led national initiatives in education, healthcare, cultural preservation,
and social welfare. As the Founder Chairman of the Bauddhaloka Foundation, he
continues to invest in heritage conservation, education, and community
upliftment, further strengthening his lifelong commitment to Buddhist service.
His contributions to Buddhist affairs have earned international recognition,
including the First World Buddhist Outstanding Leader Award in 2014, and he has
remained an active participant in WFB forums over the years.

Through the active involvement of
leaders such as Mr. Jagath Sumathipala, Sri Lanka remains firmly at the heart
of global Buddhist discourse, strengthening international connections and
ensuring that the cultural and spiritual heritage nurtured on the island
continues to guide generations to come.

Sumathi Holdings Supports the 71st National Snooker Championship 2025

The 71st National Snooker Championship 2025, played for the prestigious U. W. Sumathipala Memorial Trophy, was successfully held on 19th October 2025 under the guidance of the Billiards & Snooker Association of Sri Lanka.

Mr. Jagath Sumathipala, Chairman of Sumathi Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, graced the event as Chief Guest, joined by Mr. Chadu Sumathipala (Executive Director) and Mr. Chathula Sumathipala (Director – Business Strategies & Development). Their presence reaffirmed the Group’s longstanding commitment to promoting national sports and empowering youth.

The tournament showcased exceptional snooker talent, with athletes competing at the highest level for a trophy that honours the legacy of the late Mr. U. W. Sumathipala, a pioneer who advanced cue sports in Sri Lanka.

In his address, the Chairman emphasized the importance of supporting sporting pathways that inspire discipline, ambition, and national pride. He reaffirmed Sumathi Holdings’ dedication to uplifting Sri Lankan sports and creating opportunities for young athletes.