Event

13-14 October 2005: Workshop on the Role of the Buddhism in the Protection of National Culture

APSARA Authority has organized a workshop on the role of Buddhism in the protection of National Culture at Prum Rath pagoda, Siem Reap province, under the patronage of Samdech Tep Vong, the Supreme Patriarch of the Cambodian Mahanikaya and H.E Sum Manith, the representative of H.E Sok An, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister in charge of the Council of Minister as well as the president of APSARA Authority and some other high ranking officials.

The workshop brought together monks and Laymen from different Buddhist monasteries all over Siem Reap province. In this occasion, various topics were presented by orators from government, international organizations and non government organizations. All presentations focused on the protection of National Culture and to further protect the cultural heritages in Angkor.

During the two days workshop, it has noticed that some original Buddhist monasteries (Vihea) have been destroyed and replaced by new ones. Also in the noting list were some of the constructions and paintings on the Vihea buildings that did not follow the traditional architecture. The session also urged to preserve the original Buddhist monasteries especially the old paintings on the wall of monasteries (Vihea) and to restore them instead of replace them.

Finally, APSARA Authority and involved institutions encourage the monks to try their best to use the role of Buddhism to protect the National Culture and to create a committee consisting of APSARA Authority, Ministry of Culture and Find Art and Buddhist Monk to elaborate the guideline about traditional architecture elements.