Sri Lanka and Cambodia to promote Theravada Buddhism 

Bilateral ties between Sri Lanka and Cambodia are looking stronger than ever, and their common love for Buddhism further elevates the relationship. Buddhism has been the historical foundation of the relations between the two countries.


During a religious ceremony at Phnom Penh last week, President Maithripala Sirisena stated that the two nations must work together to spread Theravada teachings throughout the world – an endeavour for which the king, prime minister and government of Cambodia have already pledged their support.

Theravada is the more conservative sect of Buddhism as opposed to Mahayana Buddhism, and is predominantly practised in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. The countries have decided to advance the spread of Theravada Buddhism with the assistance of the mahasangha of both countries.

Additionally, both sides discussed the need to strengthen diplomatic, economic and trade relations, and called for increased investment and trade between the countries. In line with this vision, the establishment of a Sri Lankan mission in Cambodia along with two consuls for increased coordination between the countries is underway.