Cambodia Lays Foundation Stone for Meditation Center, Emphasizing Religious Freedom and Social Development

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Civil Service, H.E. Dr. Hun Many, presided over the foundation stone-laying ceremony for a meditation center (Dharmasala) at the Vipassana Meditation Center in Krang Lvea village, Krang Lvea commune, Samaki Mean Chey district, Kampong Chhnang province, on July 22, 2026. The ceremony was attended by H.E. Dr. Uk Rabun, Minister of State; H.E. Chhay Rithysen, Minister of Rural Development; H.E. Siv Run, Chairman of the Provincial Council; H.E. Sun Sovannarith, Governor of Kampong Chhnang Province; as well as members of the National Assembly, Provincial Council members, Deputy Governors, provincial department heads, district governors, local authorities, elderly devotees, and a large number of Buddhist followers from near and far. During the event, H.E. Dr. Hun Many stated that the construction of the Dharmasala at the Vipassana Meditation Center is supported by the Royal Government and has been made possible through the generous contributions of Buddhist followers and philanthropists from both within and outside the country. These accomplishments include the construction of roads, a temple gate, land filling, a surrounding wall, wells, bathrooms, and solar lighting. Furthermore, H.E. Dr. Hun Many emphasized that the Royal Government promotes Buddhism as the state religion while also supporting the practice of other religions. Cambodia fully guarantees freedom of belief and religion for its citizens. He noted that pagodas and other religious establishments serve as centers for spiritual life and actively contribute to social development in areas such as education, culture, health, social affairs, and morality, thereby fostering harmony among all religions. He stressed the imperative to prevent the commercialization of religion and to combat discrimination and division among the people, transforming the potential of all religions into a strong force for unity in defending peace, national unity, and promoting socio-economic development. In addition, H.E. Dr. Hun Many urged authorities to pay close attention to providing excellent public services to the citizens, to monitor their well-being at all times, and to resolve issues effectively. He specifically called on citizens to be aware of traffic laws, to drive with extreme caution, and to respect traffic regulations to protect their lives, ensuring that occasions for merit-making and celebration do not turn into tragedy. He also strongly advised youth and children to stay away from drugs, warning that narcotics destroy lives, families, and the nation. By Bai Sithon © National News Agency of Cambodia 2018