As Telangana moves to strengthen its position on the global Buddhist tourism map with an integrated circuit linking key heritage sites, Hyderabad is emerging as a focal point for cultural and spiritual exchange. At a time when parts of South Asia continue to grapple with tensions, there is also a renewed emphasis on Buddhist teachings of compassion and dialogue as tools for peace.
In conversation with The Hindu, Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Sri Lanka’s Minister for Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, speaks about cultural diplomacy, conflict resolution, tourism collaboration, engaging the younger generation, and relevance of Hyderabad is key to building a shared Buddhist tourism circuit.
How do you see India, and regions like Telangana, shaping the future of Buddhist cultural diplomacy with Sri Lanka?
I must convey my special gratitude for organising such a global Buddhist peace conference, especially with its focus on peace, something we need more and more today. In Sri Lanka, our universities have specific courses and academic discussions on texts like the Mulamadhyamakakarika (Fundamental Verses on the Middle Way) and related philosophical traditions. So, I believe Hyderabad is a very appropriate place for this kind of dialogue. As the Minister for Buddhasasana and Cultural Affairs, I have many ideas and aspirations to further strengthen this relationship. What we have started today is an important step towards a long-term cultural and spiritual partnership between Sri Lanka and India.
