OTTAWA, Canada -- A Canada-based Buddhist cultural delegation led by Mr. Visita Sirin Leelaratna was formally welcomed to the Senate of Canada, where the Speaker, the Honourable Raymonde Gagné, C.M., O.M., recognised the delegation's presence in the gallery. The delegation, representing the Buddhist Heritage Month initiative, were guests of the Honourable Senator Yuen Pau Woo. Female monastics — Bhikkhunīs — received special acknowledgement on the occasion.

During the visit, Mr. Leelaratna presented Senator Woo with a Certificate of Appreciation for his support of the Buddhist Heritage Month initiative and the Global Bhikkhunī Heritage Program. He also presented a handcrafted Sri Lankan elephant, a symbol of wisdom, peace and friendship. The certificate cited Senator Woo's contribution to advancing Bhikkhunī heritage, Buddhist cultural understanding and women's leadership.

Discussions at the Senate focused on expanding Buddhist Heritage Month, strengthening the global Bhikkhunī Saṅgha, and the relevance of Buddhist ethics to leadership, education and emerging artificial-intelligence technologies.

A Historic Voyage Remembered

A central theme of the visit was the fifth-century sea voyage of Bhikkhunī Devasārā Therī, also known as Tissarā, who travelled from Sri Lanka to Nanjing, China. According to historical Chinese records, in 433 CE Sri Lankan and Chinese monastics conducted the higher ordination of more than 300 Chinese women, establishing a Bhikkhunī lineage that has continued for nearly 1,600 years. Her journey is regarded as one of the earliest documented long-distance maritime missions led by a woman in the Buddhist world.



This legacy continues to guide the work of Mr. Leelaratna, founder of Buddhist Heritage Month Inc. and the Buddhist Embassy®, through its Wisdom in Motion initiative. The initiative seeks to expand opportunities for women in leadership and education while advancing cultural diplomacy among Canada, Sri Lanka and China. It aligns with Canada's Women's History Month and federal e-petition e-6893, initiated by Mr. Leelaratna, which calls on Canada to officially designate May as Buddhist Heritage Month.

Upcoming Event on Parliament Hill

The programme continues on 17 October at Parliament Hill with "Tradition in Motion – Living Heritage," an event honouring Bhikkhunī heritage and women's leadership. Bhikkhunī Ayya Aloka Therī is expected to attend.

For Buddhist communities in Canada and worldwide, the Senate recognition marks a proud moment, both for Buddhist heritage in the country and for the living legacy of the Bhikkhunī Saṅgha, a tradition that continues to inspire leadership, compassion and cultural understanding across communities.