Wisdom in Motion Honours Living Bhikkhunī Heritage and Sri Lanka-China-Canada Ties
Ottawa, October 17, 2026: Wisdom in Motion, a special program celebrating living Bhikkhunī heritage and the cultural ties linking Sri Lanka, China and Canada, was released on Intangible Cultural Heritage Day and shared during Women’s History Month and Buddhist Heritage Month.
The program honours outstanding community leaders whose work preserves and strengthens Buddhist traditions across generations:
• Bhikkhunī Ayya Aloka Therī, educated in Sri Lanka, who arrived in Canada from China in October 2026
• Manjula Wickramaratne, Media Coordinator, Buddhist Heritage Month
• Shashini Danushika and Priyani Swarna Wijesinghe, Coordinators, Bhikkhunī Living Heritage
It features greetings from Ontario Premier Doug Ford and a special address by the Hon. Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism). It also reflects on the documentary legacy of the late Dr. Siripala Leelaratna.
The presentation highlights the historic mission of Sri Lankan Bhikkhunīs to China in the fifth century. Chinese records place the arrival of the second group, which completed the dual ordination, in 433 CE. This mission is regarded as the foundation of the Chinese Bhikkhunī lineage.
Bhikkhunī History · Living Heritage | Senate of Canada Recognition on October 8, 2026
Watch the full program:
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