Ambassador Shobini Gunasekera seized the opportunity to showcase Sri Lankan Buddhist traditions at a Press Conference dedicated to the III International Buddhist Forum at the one of the largest news agencies worldwide TASS.

The III International Buddhist Forum will take place in Kalmykia, 25-28 September 2025, and Sri Lanka, being a leader in global Buddhist heritage will participate in the event along with 19 other Buddhist countries, which have confirmed their attendance.
The Press Conference was chaired by Hon. Batu Khasikov, Head of the Republic of Kalmykia, with participation of Ven. Geshe Yonten, Chairman of the Central Spiritual Administration of Buddhists, Rector of the Moscow Buddhist Temple and Prof. Alexey Maslov, Director of the Institute of Asian and African Studies at Moscow State University, President of the Foundation for the Promotion of Buddhist Education and Research.
Answering the question of the moderator Ambassador Gunasekera underlined the importance of such platforms as the International Buddhist Forum as it not only promoted dialogue but also served as a bridge that strengthened cultural and spiritual connections between countries, people-to-people connections, and friendship across borders through shared values. Ambassador noted that Sri Lanka's participation underscored its leadership in global Buddhist heritage and its commitment to spiritual values, reinforcing its soft power. The forum would also be a platform to strengthen bilateral engagement particularly in educational exchanges, collaborations in healthcare and traditional medicine, as well as tourism promotion.
This year Sri Lanka will be represented at the event by scholars, practitioners, spiritual leaders and Embassy officials. A special session dedicated to Theravada Buddhism, as well as a meditation session will be included into the events of the Forum, which will be conducted by the Sri Lankan Buddhist clergy.