RUZAIK FAROOK
COLOMBO — The Sinhala publication of the book Buddhist – Muslim Dialogue was officially launched at a grand ceremony held on Tuesday May 12 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall.
The event was organized by Tanweer Institute for Islamic Studies and Interfaith Dialogue as part of its ongoing efforts to promote interreligious understanding and peaceful coexistence in Sri Lanka.
The ceremony was held under the patronage of Professor Ven. Gallelle Sumanasiri Thera, former Vice Chancellor of Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka. Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi attended the occasion as chief guest, while Ash-Sheikh Arkam Nooramith, General Secretary of All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama, participated as Special Guests.
A large gathering comprising political representatives, Buddhist and Muslim religious leaders, academics, media personnel, civil society representatives and well-wishers from different communities was present at the event.
Deputy Principal of the Tanweer Institute Ash Sheik Munsif Thawoos delivered the welcome address.
The keynote review of the book was delivered by Ven. Professor Samantha Ilangakoon, Senior Lecturer attached to the Department of Philosophy at University of Peradeniya, who highlighted the importance of dialogue and mutual understanding between religious communities in contemporary society.
The book was jointly authored by Dr. Asad Shiraz and Tripitakaacharya Ramesh Madushanka.
The first copy of the book presented to the former Vice Chancellor of Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka Ven. Professor Gallelle Sumanasiri Thera and along with chief guest Minister Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi by authors of the book Dr. Asad Shiraz and Tripitakaacharya Ramesh Madushanka.
Tanweer Institute for Islamic Studies and Interfaith Dialogue is a pioneering educational institution providing Islamic theological studies in the Sinhala language for Muslim students. Alongside its academic activities, the Institute has been actively engaged in promoting interfaith understanding through seminars, dialogues, exhibitions, workshops and educational outreach programs involving people from diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds.
The publication of Buddhist–Muslim Dialogue is expected to serve as an important resource in fostering mutual respect, understanding and meaningful dialogue between communities in Sri Lanka.
