The principal of the Sri Vijaya Buddhist Dhamma School in Riyadh has firmly rejected circulating reports alleging that Sri Lanka's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia issued an order for the school's closure. The denial comes amid growing concern within the Sri Lankan expatriate Buddhist community in the Saudi capital, where the Dhamma school plays a vital role in preserving religious and cultural identity for thousands of Sri Lankan workers and families living abroad.
The statement from the school's principal has sought to clarify the situation and reassure parents, students, and community members who had been alarmed by the claims spreading through social media and community networks in recent days.
What the Principal Said
According to the principal of Sri Vijaya Buddhist Dhamma School, the reports suggesting that the Sri Lankan ambassador had directed or ordered the closure of the school are entirely false and without foundation. The principal emphasized that no such directive had been received from the Sri Lankan Embassy in Riyadh, and that the school continues to operate as normal, serving the Buddhist community in the region.
The principal urged members of the community to avoid spreading unverified information and called on concerned individuals to seek clarification through official channels before sharing claims that could cause unnecessary panic or confusion. The statement was intended to bring calm to a community that had been visibly unsettled by the circulating rumors.
Background on Sri Vijaya Buddhist Dhamma School
The Sri Vijaya Buddhist Dhamma School in Riyadh serves as an important institution for the Sri Lankan Buddhist diaspora in Saudi Arabia. Established to provide religious education and cultural grounding for Sri Lankan children and youth living in the kingdom, the school operates within the framework of the expatriate community's religious and social activities.
For many Sri Lankan families working in Saudi Arabia, Dhamma schools represent one of the few opportunities for their children to receive formal instruction in Buddhist teachings, Sinhala language, and cultural traditions. These schools are not merely educational institutions — they are community pillars that help maintain a sense of identity and belonging among expatriates who are far from home.
The school in Riyadh has historically functioned with the support and cooperation of the Sri Lankan community and relevant diplomatic missions. The role of the Sri Lankan Embassy in facilitating and supporting such community institutions is generally considered essential for the welfare of Sri Lankan nationals abroad.
How the Rumors Spread
Reports about the alleged closure order appear to have originated and spread rapidly through social media platforms and community messaging groups popular among the Sri Lankan diaspora in the Middle East. Such channels, while useful for community communication, can also serve as conduits for misinformation, particularly when sensitive topics involving diplomatic figures or community institutions are involved.
The claim that a Sri Lankan ambassador had ordered the closure of a Buddhist Dhamma school naturally provoked strong emotional reactions within the community. For many Sri Lankans, Dhamma schools carry deep religious and sentimental significance, and any perceived threat to their operation is taken seriously.
Community leaders and religious figures in Riyadh have also joined the call for calm, encouraging members to wait for official statements before drawing conclusions or sharing unverified reports further.
The Diplomatic Dimension
The involvement of a diplomatic figure in the alleged closure claim added a layer of sensitivity to the matter. Sri Lankan ambassadors and diplomatic missions in the Middle East carry significant responsibility, given that the region hosts one of the largest concentrations of Sri Lankan migrant workers in the world. The welfare, cultural needs, and rights of these workers fall within the broader mandate of the diplomatic mission.
Any suggestion that a Sri Lankan ambassador had moved to shut down a community religious institution would naturally attract scrutiny and concern, both within the expatriate community and back in Sri Lanka. It is in this context that the principal's swift denial carries considerable importance, as it helps prevent diplomatic tensions or community divisions from forming around what appears to be a baseless claim.
Community Urged to Rely on Official Information
As the situation continues to be monitored, community leaders and school officials are urging Sri Lankan expatriates in Riyadh and across Saudi Arabia to rely only on verified and official sources of information. The principal's public denial represents a direct effort to counter misinformation and protect the reputation of both the school and the Sri Lankan diplomatic mission in the kingdom.
The Sri Vijaya Buddhist Dhamma School in Riyadh remains open, and its administration has confirmed that classes and activities are proceeding without interruption. Community members with genuine concerns are encouraged to contact the school or the Sri Lankan Embassy in Riyadh directly for accurate and up-to-date information regarding the institution's status and operations.