The World Fellowship of Buddhists ( WFB ) was founded on May 25 B.E.2493 (1950) in Colombo, Sri Lanka, where representatives from 27 countries in Asia, Europe and North America (including Hawaii) met for this purpose. Nearly every school of Buddhism in the Mahayana, Theravada, and Vajrayana traditions was represented by members of the Sangha as well as laity. This was probably the first time in the history of Buddhism that such a gathering was held. No Buddhist sect, school or organization was unwilling to attend the meeting. Thus founded, the WFB represents the common interests of Buddhists throughout the world numbering hundreds of millions.
