Ceylon was instrumental in leading efforts at the United Nations in raising concern over the discrimination of Buddhists in South Vietnam. Mobilizing world opinion, Mrs Bandaranaike wrote to Indian Prime Minister Nehru, Burmese leader General Ne Win, Prime Minister of Laos Prince Souvanna Phouma, Cambodian leader Prince Sihanouk, Japanese Prime Minister Ikeda, Thai Prime Minister Thanarat and Nepalese King Mahendra calling on them to support diplomatic efforts in alleviating the suffering of Buddhists in Vietnam. Having galvanised support, she also appealed to US President John F. Kennedy to use his good offices with the Government of South Vietnam to ensure the granting of freedom of worship and religious equality for this community.