The situation of Buddhist nuns in Sri Lanka

Abstract

This academic article aims to study and review the issue of Bhikkhuni in Sri Lanka, spanning from the establishment of the Bhikkhuni Sangha to the present situation. Most Thai Buddhists were only aware of the current existence of Bhikkhuni ordination in Sri Lanka. However, the history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka includes the presence of the Bhikkhuni Sangha.

Unfortunately, foreign invasions, which did not support Buddhism, led to the disappearance of the Bhikkhu and Bhikkhuni Sangha. When Buddhism was reinstated, the Bhikkhuni Sangha was not revived because the Theravada Sangha that was established did not include a Bhikkhuni Sangha. The subsequent efforts were to revive the Bhikkhuni Sangha with support from certain sects of Bhikkhus. Although there were successful efforts to revive the Bhikkhuni Sangha, leading to the ordination of women from foreign countries, including Thailand, there has also been opposition to this action.

Additionally, the living conditions of Bhikkhunis in Sri Lanka are challenging, as they do not have all the rights and face conflicts with Bhikkhu sangha from different sects. Furthermore, the Sri Lankan government has not officially recognized the status of Bhikkhunis.