His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has confirmed that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue after his passing, ending years of speculation.

In a statement released on 2 July ahead of his 90th birthday, the Dalai Lama reaffirmed that the process of identifying his successor will follow established Tibetan Buddhist traditions. He made clear that the Gaden Phodrang Trust, the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, is the sole legitimate authority in recognising his reincarnation. ‘No one else has any such authority to interfere in the matter’, he stated.

The statement follows an earlier 2011 assertion that he would consult with Tibetan High Lamas and the Tibetan people to re-evaluate whether the institution should continue when he turns 90.

Traditionally, the Panchen Lama, the second highest spiritual figure in the Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism, plays a key role in the recognition of the Dalai Lama. However, in May 1995 the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) forcibly disappeared the 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, days after he was recognised by the current Dalai Lama when he was just six years old.

Nyima’s whereabouts remain unknown, while the CCP has since appointed Gyaltsen Norbu as a state-selected Panchen Lama in a move widely seen as an attempt to control the selection process of the next Dalai Lama.

CSW’s Founder President Mervyn Thomas said: ‘CSW urges the international community to recognise the Chinese Communist Party’s efforts to bring Tibet under its control, and to reject its interference in Tibetan religious affairs. It must continue to demand answers as to the whereabouts and well-being of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and his family until the government provides a satisfactory response and ultimately releases them, and it must ensure that it stands with the people of Tibet in recognising the next legitimate Dalai Lama, and not one selected by the Chinese government.’