The Sinhala publication of the book Bauddha–Muslim Dialogue was officially launched at a grand ceremony held on Tuesday, 12 May 2026 at 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 chairmanship of Senior Professor Dr. Ven. Gallelle Sumanasiri Thera, former Vice Chancellor of Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka. Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Hon. Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi attended the occasion as Chief Guest, while Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs Hon. Muneer Mulaffer and Ash-Sheikh M. 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.
The keynote review of the book was delivered by Professor Dr. 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 original English edition of the book was jointly authored by Dr. Asad Shiraz and Tripitakaacharya Ramesh Madushanka. Recognizing the broader social value of the publication, Tanweer Institute for Islamic Studies and Interfaith Dialogue undertook the initiative of translating the book into Sinhala in collaboration with the authors, enabling Sinhala-speaking readers across the country to access the work.
In addition to coordinating the translation process, the Institute also managed the printing and publication of the book and organized the launch ceremony with full sponsorship and overall coordination. The Institute views the publication as a significant contribution toward strengthening interfaith dialogue, promoting social harmony, and encouraging constructive engagement among communities in Sri Lanka.
Based in Thihariya, 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 Bauddha–Muslim Dialogue is expected to serve as an important resource in fostering mutual respect, understanding and meaningful dialogue between communities in Sri Lanka.
