The teachings of the Buddha are eternal and they are very relevant to modern day world beset by many problems. Science and technology have made tremendous strides in recent decades but there has been no comparable advance in moral values, Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayake said.

"In fact, there has been a regression in moral standards. The basic teachings of Buddhism non violence, tolerance; loving kindness, compassion and equanimity are therefore very relevant to the contemporary world," Premier Wickramanyake, who is currently in Japan to participate in the 'Fifth World Buddhist Summit' held from October 31 to November 10 in Kobe City, Japan, said at the ceremonial opening of the Summit.

"The essential philosophy of Buddhism cannot be challenged by any scientist or philosopher although the foundations of other religions are being challenged by scientists and modern thinkers. This is the reason why there is a growing interest among many Westerners disgusted with the materialistic leanings in their countries."

Full text of the Premier’s speech: I am very happy to be in Hyogo Prefecture to attend the ceremonial opening of the Royal Grand Hall of Buddhism and participate in the 5th World Buddhist Summit. I bring the greetings and best wishes of the Government and people of Sri Lanka to all those who are present here today.

I am pleased to note that in the course of next few days two other events connected with Buddhism in Japan, namely the opening of the Nenbutsushu Betsuin Temple in Hiroshima and the Reliquary Hall in Kyushu will also take place.

The Royal Grand Hall of Buddhism which was inaugurated yesterday will be a boon to all Buddhists and will no doubt contribute to the spread of Buddhism for which there is now a growing interest in the West as well. We took part yesterday in the ground breaking ceremony of-the new Nalanda Monastery which will be established in this enchanting locality. I am confident the new Nalanda Monastery will help revive the scholarly traditions that prevailed in ancient Nalanda University in India.

I decided to attend the Summit for three reasons.

First Sri Lanka is predominantly a Buddhist country and it is our policy to encourage such Buddhist events.

Secondly we in Sri Lanka have very close relations with Japan; the majority of Buddhists in Sri Lanka consider Japan as another Buddhist country.

Thirdly and more importantly, it is convened by the Most Venerable Enshinjoh who is a real friend of Sri Lanka and a person who has contributed immensely to the spread of Buddhism. I recall Rev Enshinjoh was the first non Sri Lankan Buddhist monk to hold the post of President of Mahabodhi Society of India which was founded by a well known son of Sri Lanka Ven Anagarika Dhammapala who did tremendous work to rehabilitate the places hallowed by the Lord Buddha.

I am very appreciative of the noble role played by the Rev Enshinjoh in the dissemination of Buddhist ideals to promote peace and harmony and his efforts to build better understanding and goodwill among Buddhist nations. I am very confident that the Summit where eminent Buddhist leaders from many countries are present will be a success and a landmark event in the annals of the contemporary Buddhism. The events organized by the Venerable Enshinjoh in Japan to coincide with the Summit will help promote better understanding and cooperation among the Buddhists world over.

The teachings of the Buddha are eternal and they are very relevant to modern day world beset by many problems. Science and technology have made tremendous strides in recent decades but there has been no comparable advance in moral values. In fact there has been a regression in moral standards. The basic teachings of Buddhism non violence, tolerance; loving kindness, compassion and equanimity are therefore very relevant to the contemporary world. The essential philosophy of Buddhism cannot be challenged by any scientist or philosopher although the foundations of other religions are being challenged by scientists and modern thinkers. This is the reason why there is a growing interest among many Westerners disgusted with the materialistic leanings in their countries.

Buddhist countries are facing many challenges and there is a need to foster closer cooperation among Buddhist countries to help each other. Our country has faced a virulent terrorist problem for more that three decades. The terrorists have no human values or respect for human life. They have killed Buddhist monks in cold blood and committed the sacrilege of attacking the holiest of holy places of Buddhists in Sri Lanka such as the Sacred Bo Tree in Anuradhapura and the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy.

We are confident we can restore peace after defeating terrorism. There is considerable misconception among some countries of our objectives. I sincerely believe that you will understand our problem better and will help us in whatever possible way to restore peace in our country.

Before conclusion I would like once again to compliment the Most Venerable Dr Kyuse Enshinjoh for his initiative to convene this Buddhist Summit and other important Buddhist events and wish him good health and long life to serve the Buddha sasana and humanity. As a Sri Lankan Buddhist may I wish that the Venerable teacher lives 120 years to, continue his noble work!