The head of the Buddhist community in Tanzania, Rev. Dr. Ilukuptiye Pannasekara, has praised the country’s strong tradition of religious freedom and interfaith cooperation, saying Tanzania continues to stand out as a peaceful nation where all faiths are respected and allowed to thrive.
He made the remarks during celebrations marking the birthday of the global Buddhist leader and the unveiling of a Golden Buddha Statue in Upanga, Dar es Salaam.
The ceremony attracted religious leaders, government officials, and members of the Buddhist community.
The guest of honour was the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations), Mr Deus Sangu, who represented Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Lameck Nchemba.
Dr. Pannasekara said the positive environment in Tanzania has enabled the Buddhist community to strengthen its engagement with other faith groups and contribute to national development initiatives.
He said the community is currently implementing five development projects in the education, health, and tourism sectors, some of which have already started while others are at different stages of preparation.
“We have received strong cooperation from different religious groups in Tanzania, which has made our community feel welcomed and valued,” he said.
Dr. Pannasekara further noted that the planned projects are expected to inject more than 100 million US dollars into the Tanzanian economy, contributing to job creation and service delivery in key sectors.
He emphasized that the Buddhist community is not seeking financial support from the government, but rather an enabling environment and continued cooperation to successfully implement the projects.
“Everything is in place for these projects. What we require is continued collaboration. Once fully implemented, they will make a meaningful contribution to Tanzania’s economic growth,” he said.
On his part, Mr Sangu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding freedom of worship and ensuring equal treatment of all religious groups under the Sixth Phase Government led by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
He said Tanzania’s implementation of the Development Vision 2050 has opened wider opportunities for economic diplomacy and investment, including partnerships with faith-based organizations.
“Through the President’s Office responsible for Planning and Investment, we are ready to facilitate investors and guide them to strategic areas where they can implement projects in tourism, health, and education,” he said.
The event highlighted Tanzania’s continued reputation as a stable and inclusive nation, where religious institutions play an active role in promoting unity and supporting socio-economic development.
