Sunday Times 2
Buddhist-Muslim dialogue book launched in Colombo
View(s):The Sinhala publication of the book Buddhist – Muslim Dialogue was launched at a ceremony held on Tuesday, May 12 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall.
The event was organised 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 the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka.
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- Authors present the book to Minister Sunil Senevi.
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- Authors present the first copy of the book to Ven Prof Gallelle Sumanasiri Thera.
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- A section of the attendees
Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Hiniduma Sunil Senevi attended the occasion as chief guest, while Ash-Sheikh Arkam Nooramith, General Secretary of All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama, participated as special guest.
A 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 Prof 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 was presented to former Vice Chancellor of the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka Ven Prof Gallelle Sumanasiri Thera, along with Minister Senevi by authors of the book Dr Shiraz and Mr Madushanka.
Tanweer Institute for Islamic Studies and Interfaith Dialogue is an 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.