Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone addresses the 9th National Congress of Buddhist Representatives in Vientiane on Tuesday. --Photo Lao News Agency

PM calls for Buddhism to play stronger role in development process

The Prime Minister has urged the Lao Buddhist Fellowship Organisation (LBFO) to undertake comprehensive reforms to strengthen public faith, modernise Buddhist practice, and reinforce its role in national unity and socio-economic development.
PM Sonexay Siphandone made the call at the 9th National Congress of Buddhist Representatives held in Vientiane on Tuesday.
The prime minister told the Congress that changes should be strong, deep and wide-ranging, particularly in renewing the mindset of monks, novices and Buddhist followers.
He emphasised the importance of strict observance of the Dharma (the teachings of Buddha), the Vinaya (ethical guidelines for monks and nuns), the Constitution of the Lao Sangha and state laws, while also upholding the traditions of the Party and the nation.

The premier called on the Lao Buddhist Fellowship Organisation to promote patriotism, national solidarity and confidence in the leadership of the Party and state, noting that Buddhism plays an important role in shaping moral values and fostering social harmony.
He also urged the guiding monk body to further develop its human resources and institutional capacity to meet the needs of a changing society.
While acknowledging the Organisation’s achievements over the past five years, Prime Minister Sonexay encouraged its members to address shortcomings and expand its outreach by using modern communication platforms.
He stressed that Buddhist teachings should be simplified and presented in practical, accessible language so that people can apply strong moral values—such as gratitude, merit and responsibility—in their daily lives.
The prime minister also advised that religious ceremonies be streamlined to save time and resources while preserving their spiritual value.
He suggested that a clear distinction be made between public, official, national and local ceremonies to ensure efficiency and relevance.
Highlighting the Sangha’s role in national development, Prime Minister Sonexay urged Buddhists to actively support the implementation of Party resolutions and National Socio-Economic Development Plans, particularly by helping to build an independent and self-reliant economy that improves both material and spiritual living standards.
He further instructed the Lao Buddhist Fellowship Organisation to complete the printing of the Lao Tripitaka (a collection of Buddhist teachings in the Lao language), which will serve as an important reference for schools, research institutions and Buddhist scholars at home and abroad.
The protection and preservation of temples and national heritage sites were also identified as key responsibilities.
In the social sphere, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the important role of monks in community service, disaster relief and social welfare activities.
He also highlighted the use of Buddhist teachings in preventing drug abuse, especially among young people, through promotion of the “Four No’s”: no using, no buying, no selling, and no producing or trafficking of drugs, to support the government’s national agenda on drug control.
To comply with the government’s economic policies, the prime minister called for greater use of the kip in religious merit-making activities, and wider use of locally made robes and religious offerings, to reduce the volume of imported goods and promote “Made in Laos” products.
The head of government also called for stronger links to be forged with Buddhist organisations in partner countries and with international institutions, as well as closer coordination with Lao Sangha organisations abroad through Buddhist envoys.
At the same meeting, new Vice Presidents of the Lao Buddhist Fellowship Organisation and members of its Central Committee were elected.
Concluding the Congress, Prime Minister Sonexay instructed the newly elected Central Committee to quickly translate the Congress’s resolutions into concrete action plans and legal frameworks.
He stressed the importance of unity at all levels of the organisation and urged its leaders to strictly adhere to the Sangha Constitution and take full responsibility for the outcomes of their work, noting that a strong and united Buddhist organisation is essential to the safeguarding and overall development of Laos.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update December 25, 2025)