Most Venerable Mahanayaka Theras; Venerable members of the Maha Sangha; Hon. Ministers and Chief Ministers: Members of Parliament and Provincial Councils: Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa – Mr. Pradeep Thilanga Dela Bandara, Chairman of the Organizing Committee – Mr. K.H.J.Wijedasa, Participants and Distinguished Guests.

It is indeed a privilege to have the opportunity to participate with you today on this historic occasion. This conference stands out as one of the main events of the 2550th Sambuddha Jayanthi celebrations in our country. It is organized by the Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa, under the guidance of the Most Venerable Mahanayaka Theras of the Malwatta and Asgiriya Chapters.

Throughout a period of more than 2000 years, not only was Theravada Buddhism nurtured and protected under State patronage in our country, but it was also disseminated from here to many other countries in the world.

This conference brings the different schools of Buddhism, - Theravada, Mahayana, Thantrayana and the Western School - to share a common platform. And by doing so, it demonstrates to the world – in my view – the living Buddhist tradition and practice of Peaceful Co-existence. Therefore, this conference brings pride and dignity to the tens of millions of people in the world who follow the philosophy of the Buddha.

The theme of this conference, - 'The Buddhist Path to a Better World' is most relevant to the social environment of the 21st century. I am aware that in the course of the next two days, four different aspects or dimensions of this broad theme are scheduled to be the subject of your discussion: They are, - Buddhism and the Social Question, Buddhism and Science, Buddhism and the Co-existence of Nations, and, Buddhism and Health.

It is in considering three elements contained in the Buddha Dharma, that the importance of structuring a conference along these four broad themes becomes most clear and appropriate.

The first finds reflection in the words of the Buddha, - 'Saththa Deva Manussanang', – which means that the Enlightened One is a patron, teacher and guide to both Gods and Human-beings.

The second element as contained in the concept of Akalika – explains that Buddhism is not bound by the concept of 'time': In other words, its relevance is not limited to any particular period of time.

The third finds embodiment in the advice given by the Buddha to Bhikkhus in regard to the propagation of the Dharma. 'Bahujana Hithaya Bahujana Sukhaya' implies that the preaching of the Buddha Dharma, has as its goal the generation of mental tranquility and happiness in man, and of kindness and well-being in the world community.

Emphasis, in this connection, must be placed on the fact that nowhere in the teachings is one encouraged to 'convert' persons of other faiths to the Buddhist religion.

It is this supreme kindness which underlies the Buddha Dharma that renders this conference and its discussions relevant to the world community across the borders of race and religion. It is for this very same reason that persons of knowledge and learning have defined the Buddha Dharma NOT as a religion, but as a philosophy of life.

The Buddhist Philosophy is based on the principle of 'cause and effect'. Thus through the application of the Buddha Dharma, it is possible to analyze the causes and factors that lie behind the political, economic social and environmental conflicts that engulf the world.

It is also possible, through the application of the Dharma, to identify the possible solutions for them. Also through the application of the Buddha Dharma, the factors the lie behind the prevalence of poverty, ethnic conflict, domestic disharmony, dissatisfaction, and the decline in social norms and values, can be analyzed and solutions identified for them.

I hope these matters will be discussed at length at your conference. In this age of science and technology, it is the view of learned persons that while certain elements of the Buddha Dharma have been confirmed by the application of science, other elements are clearly beyond the observation of the scientific method. Therefore the theme of 'Science and the Buddha Dharma' is, in my view, a most exciting one.

Today large numbers of Buddhists tend to give pride of place to the conducting of rituals and to the practice of making offerings. It is doubtful that they fully understand the meaning of Buddhism as a philosophy of life: For if they have the correct understanding, the quality of life in Buddhist communities in the world would be certainly better than what it is today.

At the same time it is interesting to observe that when compared with people living in what are traditionally Buddhist countries, people living in the Western World are showing a greater interest to understand and absorb the essence of the Buddha Dharma. Hence the importance of this conference to further reveal the practical relevance of the Buddha Dharma, both as a philosophy of life, and as a means to cultivate an intelligent frame of mind.

While Sri Lanka remains primarily a Theravada Buddhist country, the fact that the other streams of Buddhist Philosophy are represented at this conference is a cause for pride and happiness. All these schools of Buddhism are rich in the teachings of the Buddha in relation not only to the well-being of humankind, but also to that of animals and the vegetation around us as well. Therefore I hope that this conference will focus not on the purely theoretical aspects of Buddhism but more on the practical methods and strategies to realize the Dharma as a way of life.

The success of a conference is judged not by the efficiency with which it was conducted, but by the extent to which its results are translated into action. I hope the Buddhist leaders participating in the conference will take the lead to implement in the next 2-3 years, the various recommendations that will be contained in the outcome of this conference. It is therefore expected that in order to achieve this goal, the participants will set in motion the necessary mechanisms on their return to their respective countries.

It is not only a traditional function, but also a constitutional obligation of the Sri Lankan government, to protect the Buddha Sasana. As such let me assure this conference that in the implementation of your recommendations, you will most certainly receive the support of our government. It is for this reason too that your conference has received the patronage of our government.

In conclusion let me thank the Most Venerable Mahanayaka Theras, the Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa - Mr. Pradeep Thilanga Dela Bandara, the Chairman of the Organizing Committee - Mr. K.H.J.Wijedasa, Officials of the Government, Members of the Security Services, and all others who helped to make this conference a success.

May the Blessings of the Triple Gem be upon you all, 'Oba Semata Theruwan Saranay'.