Cultural Advisor to UNESCO and Chairman of French Buddhist Society, Ven.Dr. Thampalawala Dhammarathana Thera, was confirmed as the Chairman of the Council. Chairman of the Los Angeles Buddhist Society, Ven. Dr.Godakalane Gunarathana Thera was appointed the Secretary of the Council which was the brainchild of Prime Minister D.M.Jayaratne.

The councillor which was to be operational parallel to the 2600th Swarna Jayanthi celebrations, sees the Secretaries to the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Buddha Sasana , the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance also being brought in to support its activities.

The Prime Minister – D.M.Jayaratne-speaking on the forming of the Council, said that the main aim of this gathering would be to promote the teachings of the Buddha internationally while supporting Buddhist monks to help them better serve their respective temples in the correct way.

The New Constitution of the World Council was presented to the Prime Minister on October 6 by its Chairman Ven. Dr.Thampalawela Dhammarathana in Parliament.