Phnom Penh: His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia, has spoken highly of Buddhism and laid stress on four key roles played by pagodas in Cambodian society development since ancient times to the present.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, His Majesty addressed the inauguration ceremony of the Samdech Preah Sangharaja Chuon Nath Grand Building and Khmer Manuscript Research and Conservation Institute, as well as other achievements at Ounalom Pagoda in Phnom Penh this morning. He noted that Buddhist pagodas have promoted and cultivated morality and virtue, contributing to harmonisation in Cambodian society, both religiously and socially.

Moreover, Cambodian Buddhist pagodas serve as places of education, both physically and mentally, building all kinds of human resources and acting as repositories for preserving culture, traditions, customs, and rich knowledge. The monarch emphasised that these pagodas play a crucial role in mainstreaming and preserving the identity and soul of the nation since ancient times.

Pagodas also provide shelter and learning opportunities for the underprivileged, some of whom have risen to become leaders. His Majesty highlighted that Buddhist pagodas are an inseparable catalyst of Cambodian people’s daily life and social development, indicating that pagoda and society are one.

The inauguration ceremony saw attendance from prominent figures including Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate and President of the Supreme Privy Council to His Majesty the King; Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly; Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister; along with many other senior leaders and foreign ambassadors.

His Majesty the King remarked that Ounalom Pagoda is an ancient Buddhist monastery known as the birthplace of the Khmer dictionary through the work of Samdech Preah Sangharaja Chuon Nath. Today, it remains a vibrant place of worship and contributes significantly to education and academic studies in Cambodia.

The King also expressed appreciation for the Royal Government of Cambodia’s support towards the development of Buddhism in the country. Cambodia is home to a total of 5,146 pagodas with more than 70,000 monks nationwide.