Buddhist Heritage Month

06/13/2026

At the centre stands Visita Leelaratna, carrying the vision that sparked e‑6893 — the national petition that helped bring Buddhist Heritage Month to Canada.
Beside him, City Councillor Cathy Curry and MP Jenna Sudds — two remarkable leaders from Kanata whose unwavering support lifted this heritage from a local dream to a national recognition.
Captured on June 13, 2026 at the Kanata Mosaic Harmony Festival, this moment echoes the Buddhist Art Exhibition of 2012 — a bridge of memory, culture and identity spanning more than a decade.
A moment of gratitude.
A moment of honour.
A moment where community, history, and hope stand together — carrying the light of Buddhist heritage from Kanata to Canada, and from Canada to the world. Buddhism in Canada Visita Leelaratna Buddhist Heritage Month

06/12/2026

WATCH THE VISION UNFOLD
FAIRNESS. OPPORTUNITY.
LEADERSHIP.
A Leader Who Made Room for everyone
Buddhism in Canada Buddhist Heritage Month Visita Leelaratna

06/12/2026

Visita Sirin Leelaratna: A Leader Who Made Room for Everyone
From a young student who dared to lead beyond expectations to a voice for equality, his journey has always been about inclusion. Elected President with the trust of his peers, he stood by those who believed in him—especially the girls who saw a future of fairness and opportunity.
He didn’t just lead; he changed the system to lift others with him.
Even today, that same spirit lives on—uniting, empowering and inspiring all.

06/12/2026

From a first birthday to a nation’s heritage — the story of Visita Sirin Leelaratna. A journey of compassion, perseverance and vision that continues to inspire generations.

From a first birthday to a nation's heritage
The story of Visita Sirin Leelaratna
In this quiet sepia portrait, a child sits with wide, wondering eyes — unaware of the decades of compassion, perseverance and bridge-building that lie ahead. This is Visita Sirin Leelaratna on his very first birthday.

Born into a family rooted in Sri Lankan Buddhist heritage, Visita would carry that legacy across oceans — to the streets of Ottawa, the halls of Parliament and the hearts of Buddhist communities across Canada.

'Vision, perseverance and compassion can create a lasting legacy for future generations.'

As Founder and Chair of Buddhist Embassy® Canada and the initiator of Ottawa's Vesak celebrations since 2012, Visita transformed quiet dedication into national recognition — culminating in a historic federal petition to designate May as Buddhist Heritage Month in Canada.

His dedication has helped bring Buddhist cultural values of compassion, unity and loving-kindness into the heart of Canada's public life — a journey that began, as all great journeys do, with a single moment.

2012
Vesak in Ottawa — the organization's first Vesak celebration, planting the seed of Buddhist heritage in Canada's capital
2013
Mayor Jim Watson's Vesak Day proclamation — official civic recognition in Ottawa
2017
Vesak Month recognized — building toward a full heritage month designation
2026
Federal Petition e-6893 tabled in Parliament — calling for May as Buddhist Heritage Month in Canada
Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe & Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow — proclamation of Buddhist Heritage Month 2026

Buddhist Embassy® Canada · Vesak in Ottawa · Buddhist Heritage Month Committee

06/12/2026

From a first birthday to a nation's heritage
The story of Visita Sirin Leelaratna
In this quiet sepia portrait, a child sits with wide, wondering eyes — unaware of the decades of compassion, perseverance and bridge-building that lie ahead. This is Visita Sirin Leelaratna on his very first birthday.

Born into a family rooted in Sri Lankan Buddhist heritage, Visita would carry that legacy across oceans — to the streets of Ottawa, the halls of Parliament and the hearts of Buddhist communities across Canada.

'Vision, perseverance and compassion can create a lasting legacy for future generations.'

As Founder and Chair of Buddhist Embassy® Canada and the initiator of Ottawa's Vesak celebrations since 2012, Visita transformed quiet dedication into national recognition — culminating in a historic federal petition to designate May as Buddhist Heritage Month in Canada.

His dedication has helped bring Buddhist cultural values of compassion, unity and loving-kindness into the heart of Canada's public life — a journey that began, as all great journeys do, with a single moment.

2012
Vesak in Ottawa — the organization's first Vesak celebration, planting the seed of Buddhist heritage in Canada's capital
2013
Mayor Jim Watson's Vesak Day proclamation — official civic recognition in Ottawa
2017
Vesak Month recognized — building toward a full heritage month designation
2026
Federal Petition e-6893 tabled in Parliament — calling for May as Buddhist Heritage Month in Canada
Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe & Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow — proclamation of Buddhist Heritage Month 2026

Buddhist Embassy® Canada · Vesak in Ottawa · Buddhist Heritage Month Committee

06/12/2026

Madam Speaker, I rise today to invite you and all hon. colleagues to Vesak Day on Parliament Hill. This is an event being held on May 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Sir John A. Macdonald Building. Vesak Day is the day Buddhists remember the birth, the enlightenment, and the passing away of the Buddha. I look forward to meeting with the Ambassadors of Thailand, Nepal, Myanmar, and others in this year’s wonderful celebration. We will have occasion not only to learn more about Buddhism but to celebrate the enormous contribution that so many Buddhist Canadians have made to our country. I would like to thank Vesak in Ottawa, an organization that is co-hosting this event, and invite all members to come to join them in celebrating this wonderful occasion.

www.pierremp.ca

06/11/2026

Happy Canada Day! 2026 🇨🇦
As we celebrate the diversity and unity that define our nation, we are proud to share the growing momentum behind Buddhist Heritage Month in Canada.
After years of dedicated advocacy, Visita Sirin Leelaratna, through Buddhist Embassy Canada, launched a national initiative to recognize the valuable contributions of Buddhist communities across the country. This led to the creation of e‑Petition 6893, gathering over 3,100 verified signatures and being formally presented in the House of Commons on May 8, 2026.
What began as a local effort—successfully securing Ottawa’s proclamation of May 2026 as Buddhist Heritage Month—has now reached the national stage. The vision ahead is clear: to establish May as an officially recognized Buddhist Heritage Month across Canada through federal legislation.
When realized, Canada could become the first country in the world to dedicate an entire month to celebrating Buddhist heritage—a true reflection of our commitment to diversity, inclusion and multiculturalism.
This movement continues to grow beyond borders, promoting the universal values of compassion, mindfulness and inclusivity, while strengthening interfaith and cultural understanding worldwide.
Together, let’s continue building awareness, unity, and recognition for Buddhist heritage—here in Canada and across the globe.

06/11/2026

*Canada Day 2026 at Sirin Park: A tribute to friendship and heritage*
Canada has taken a historic step by recognizing *Buddhist Heritage Month*, with messages of support from Canada's Prime Minister and Ontario's Premier, as well as the presentation of *Federal e‑Petition e‑6893* to the Canadian government, initiated by Visita Sirin Leelaratna.
This achievement builds on over a decade of recognition in Canada. In 2013, then‑Mayor Jim Watson first proclaimed *Vesak Day* in Ottawa. In 2017, he further honored this by proclaiming *Vesak Month* during Canada’s 150th anniversary. Continuing this tradition, in 2026, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe proclaimed *Buddhist Heritage Month* in Ottawa. In the same year, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow — leader of Canada’s largest city and the capital of Ontario — also declared Buddhist Heritage Month at the request of Visita Leelaratna, further reinforcing provincial and national recognition. On May 8, 2026, MP Jenna Sudds submitted Federal Petition e‑6893 to the House of Commons, marking an important step toward nationwide recognition for Buddhist Canadians.
In a spirit of gratitude and celebration, *Visita Sirin Leelaratna* will observe *Canada Day on July 1* at Sirin Park Eco Tour, Ginimellagaha, Baddegama, Sri Lanka. The event will feature the raising of the Canadian flag in the Buddhist Garden, alongside Inuit heritage sculptures that symbolize the enduring friendship between Canada and Sri Lanka.
All Sri Lankans and Buddhists worldwide are warmly invited to celebrate Canada Day with unity, gratitude and mutual cultural respect

06/10/2026

Federal Petition Sparks Growing Recognition of Buddhist Heritage Across Canada
The Vision Behind Canada’s First Federal Petition for Buddhist Heritage Month
*The official parliamentary record verifies the authorship and submission details of Petition e‑6893, ensuring transparency about its origin and process.*
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BJtYck8sF/

Federal Petition Sparks Growing Recognition of Buddhist Heritage Across Canada

The Vision Behind Canada’s First Federal Petition for Buddhist Heritage Month

June 2026

Canada has achieved a significant milestone with the launch of its first federal petition advocating for the official recognition of Buddhist Heritage Month—an initiative conceived and led by Visita Leelaratna.

Registered as House of Commons Petition e‑6893, this submission marks the first federal parliamentary petition dedicated to seeking national recognition of Buddhist heritage. According to the Clerk of Petitions, Mr. Leelaratna is listed as the petitioner responsible for conceiving, drafting, and submitting the petition.

The petition was properly certified by the Clerk of Petitions and tabled in the House of Commons by Member of Parliament Jenna Sudds (Kanata). It urges the Government of Canada, the House of Commons and the relevant Minister of the Crown to take necessary steps to officially designate May as Buddhist Heritage Month nationwide.

This initiative has already helped raise awareness and foster engagement nationwide. Increased recognition of Buddhist heritage—including municipal proclamations, community projects and public discussions—reflects the momentum created by this effort.

The official parliamentary record verifies the authorship and submission details of Petition e‑6893, ensuring transparency about its origin and process.
https://www.ourcommons.ca/petitions/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-6893

06/09/2026

THULANA WIJESOORIYA, Buddhist Heritage Youth Ambassador
BA(Hon)BA(UK),MBA(UK),MABS (Reading) UoK, PDBC(UoK),Dip.HRM(UoC),MAAT, IABF
Lecturer | Certified Life & NLP Coach | Transformation Coach

Working in an International Organization in the capacity of a Manager