Canada’s Buddhist Heritage month campaign gains global backing and Thai diplomatic support

Canada’s landmark initiative to officially designate May as Buddhist Heritage Month is gathering strong momentum, attracting widespread community praise and growing international diplomatic support.

The campaign reached a historic milestone on May 8, 2026, when Petition E-6893, carrying 3,102 verified signatures, was formally presented to the Canadian House of Commons by Jenna Sudds.

The initiative is spearheaded by Sri Lankan-born Canadian Buddhist advocate Visita Sirin Leelaratna, whose decade-long efforts through Buddhist Embassy Canada have helped bring unprecedented national recognition to Buddhist heritage in Canada.

The summit also received a goodwill message from Thailand Ambassador to Canada, Darm Boontham, who praised Buddhist communities for promoting harmony, inclusivity, and mutual respect across Canadian society.

The Ambassador also highlighted Thailand’s longstanding cultural contributions to Canadian public life, including traditional dance performances at major national events, adding further diplomatic significance to the occasion.

Speaking at the Virtual Buddhist Summit on May 9, Toronto-based community member Manjula Wickramaratne paid tribute to Leelaratna’s vision and perseverance.

“This is not just a petition; it is a movement built on years of sacrifice and unwavering commitment. Visita Sirin Leelaratna has achieved what many believed was impossible by bringing Buddhist heritage to the floor of the Canadian Parliament,” she said.

Wickramaratne also welcomed Sri Lankan media coverage, noting that these reporting strengthens ties between the Sri Lankan diaspora and their homeland.

Reflecting on the summit theme, Wisdom in Motion: Buddhist Heritage, Global Unity and the AI Frontier, Leelaratna reaffirmed that Buddhist values such as compassion, mindfulness, and ethical living remain essential guides in an increasingly technology-driven world.

If adopted by Parliament, Canada would become the first country in the world to officially dedicate an entire month to Buddhist heritage — a milestone of major significance for Sri Lanka and Buddhist communities around the globe.