The World Peace Association was founded by a group of political, religious and community leaders unified by a shared goal: promoting a global commitment to eradicate war.
Drawing inspiration from South Asian spiritual traditions, we view humanity as a precious end in itself. Through conferences, galas and lobbying, we seek to inspire international leaders, intellectuals and influencers to reject policies of hostility and embrace a culture of global cooperation, interdependence and mutual thriving.
World Peace Association’s Organizational Structure
Mentors
Master Jing Yao
Xu Minghui, known now as Master Jing Yao, is the 19th chairman of the Taiwan Chinese Buddhism Association, abbot of multiple Buddhist temples and schools, and an executive mentor of the WPA.
After nearly dying while working as a crime journalist at age 26, Jing sought to devote his life to spiritual learning. Healing the soul of humanity became his great purpose.
Ven. Galboda Gnanissara Thera
One of the most respected Buddhist prelates, Galboda Gnanissara Thera is the head priest and chief incumbent of the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and an executive mentor of the World Peace Association. He was appointed in 2003 by the Malwatta Chapter as the Sanghanayaka of the Western Province in Sri Lanka.
Rev. (Dr.) Kirinde Assaji
Rev. (Dr.) Kirinde Assaji is the Deputy Incumbent Gangaramaya in Colombo and an honorary mentor of the WPA. Assaji has devoted his life to social projects and welfare initiatives. He is the founding director of the Na-Sevana Community Development Project and the working director of the Sri Jinaratana Information Technology Centre, Colombo 02. He is also the principal of the Sri Sumangala Dhamma School, Ganagaramaya.
Supreme Patriarch Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatanana
Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatanana is the current Supreme Patriarch of Thailand and an executive leader and an executive mentor of the WPA. Ordained as a Bhikkhu, he remains a monk of the Dhammayuttika Nikaya order. In 2008, he was appointed abbot of Wat Ratchabophit in Bangkok and in 2017 was appointed Supreme Patriarch by Thai King Vajiralongkorn.
Senior Taoist Priest
Ren Fa-rong
Rev. (Dr.) Kirinde Assaji is the Deputy Incumbent Gangaramaya in Colombo and an honorary mentor of the WPA. Assaji has devoted his life to social projects and welfare initiatives. He is the founding director of the Na-Sevana Community Development Project and the working director of the Sri Jinaratana Information Technology Centre, Colombo 02. He is also the principal of the Sri Sumangala Dhamma School, Ganagaramaya.
Secretary-General
Sattva Zhang
Leading the association's interpersonal diplomacy efforts as Secretary-General, Ms. Zhang works to connect politicians, business leaders and high-level government officials from different countries and brings them together around mutually beneficial projects. By creating opportunities for mutual prosperity, she encourages world leaders to engage in soft diplomacy that will lead to broader defusing of historically violent regions.
She has been a devout Buddhist for 30 years.
Chairwoman of Donor’s Circle
Sherry Li
Office Director of the Secretary-General’s office, Ms. Sherry Li is a graduate of New York University School of Law with a Master's in Financial Law. She has an illustrious 25-year track record as an entrepreneur in the American Finance and Real Estate sectors. Undergirding her business work is a commitment to social welfare and public service.
She is now a regent member of the Republican National Committee under the Trump administration and is a member of the Finance Committee of the Republican National Committee.
World Peace Envoy Committee
Master Hong An
Master Hong An serves as the World Peace Association’s Peace Envoy of East Asia. She is a prominent member of multiple Buddhist associations, including the World Buddhist Sangha Council and the World Chinese Buddhist Council. In her 20s, Hong An founded Kaohsiung Qianzhen Miaochong Temple and later went on to lead the development of Qingliang Mountain Miaochong Temple. In 2008 at Namdroling Monastery, in South India, she was recognized by Penor Rinpoche, the Nyingma Palyul Lineage Holder, as the first female Acharya teacher in Nyingmar Palyul's 400-year-history.
Economic Development Consultant Committee
Mr. Tilak de Zoysa
Well-known in the Sri Lankan business community, Mr. Tilak de Zoysa and his family have led some of the country's most ambitious philanthropist groups, contributing to education, health care, religious causes, and many other public welfare projects. He was the recipient of the LMD Lifetime Achievers’ Award 2017.
In addition to being the chairman of the Supervisory Board (AMW) and Advisor to Al-Futtaim Group in Sri Lanka, he chairs Carson Cumberbatch PLC, Associated CEAT Pvt. Ltd., Amaya Hotels and Resorts USA (Radisson), Jetwing Zinc Journey Lanka Pvt. Ltd., Trinity Steel Pvt. Ltd., CG Corp Global Sri Lanka, Dutch Lanka Trailer Manufacturers (TATA Group), HelpAge Sri Lanka, and the Colombo YMBA.
Int’l Public Relations Committee
Master Jian Yin
MasterJian Yin serves as the Vice President of the China Buddhist Association and Secretary-General of the Taiwan Buddhist Association, the World Buddhist Bicuni Association, and the Chinese Buddhist Bicuni Association. Jian is also Executive Director of the Pingdong Buddhist Association, as well as Abbot of Zhicheng Buddhist Temple, Miao Guang Chan Temple, Wan Fa Temple, Tai Ming Temple, and the Zheng Jue Temple.
East Asia Branch
Jinping Wang
Wang Jin-pyng is a Taiwanese politician. He served as President of the Legislative Yuan from 1999 to 2016, which makes him Taiwan's longest-serving legislative speaker. Once a leading figure of the Kuomintang (KMT), Wang is considered to be soft-spoken and a conciliatory figure who has often brokered deals between the KMT and opposition DPP.
