The workshop was held at the Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple in Sentul, Kuala Lumpur.

On 15 and 19 June, a workshop themed “The Young Buddhist Monk and His Role in the New Millennium” was held for Sri Lankan missionary monks based in Malaysia.  The two-day, multiple-session workshop was held at the Brickfields Buddhist Maha Vihara and the Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple in Sentul.

Participating in the workshop were Ven. K. Dhammaratana Nayaka Thero, Ven. B. Saranankara Nayaka Thero, and Ven. Professor Dr. Ñanaratana Nayaka Thero from Kelaniya University of Sri Lanka.  Ven. N. Sumitta Thero of the Sri Lanka Bhiksu University of Anuradhapura was the workshop convener.  Also at the workshop were Ven. Dr. Dhammasiri Thero and 20 younger bhikkhus.

Senior Sangha members (from left): Ven. Sri Saranankara Nayaka Thero, Ven. Dhammasiri Thero, Ven. Sri Dhammaratana Nayaka Thero, Ven. Sumitta Thero, and Ven. Prof. Dr. Ñanaratana Nayaka Thero.

Nalanda Founder Bro. Tan was invited to conduct one of the workshop sessions – “Managing Human Resources in the Buddhist Temple”.  In his presentation, Bro. Tan spoke about the changing roles of Buddhist temples in the new millennium due to changing demography, rapid urbanization, the information revolution, and increasing stress levels.

Bro. Tan highlighted the changing roles of Buddhist temples in the new millennium due to changing demography and other factors.

Bro. Tan said that in any case, Buddhist temples need to develop proper education and human resources management systems to better understand and serve their communities.  The presentation was truly insightful and it raised many useful points for reflection and further action.  We wish to congratulate and thank the venerable monks for their wonderful initiative to organize and participate in this timely workshop.  Sadhu anumodana!

Ven. Sri Saranankara Nayaka Thero presenting a token of appreciation to Bro. Tan for his presentation.