The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Muscat arranged a series of events together with the Sri Lankan community in the Sultanate to celebrate the Vesak festival 2023 under the theme of “the serenity of the mind”. In parallel to the Vesak week declared by the Government of Sri Lanka, the Embassy is continuing with commemorative programmes in respect to the noble triple events of the birth, enlightenment and passing away of Lord Gautama Buddha, who is worshiped as one of the greatest religious scholars who came to this world.
The main Vesak Ceremony in Muscat was held at the Sambuddahtwa Jayanthi Buddhist Temple within the Sri Lanka Embassy premises on 05 May 2023, by the committee of the Sambuddhathawa Jayanthi Viharaya in coordination with the Embassy. Poya Day Sil programme was conducted by the Venerable Borelle Kovidha Thero, Venerable Kolonnawe Dammika Thero, and Venerable Higurae Pannchachasekara Thero. Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Sultanate of Oman A.L. Sabarullah Khan graced the event of Sambuddha Puja in the evening at the temple. While welcoming the three Buddhist monks from Sri Lanka, the Ambassador highlighted the significance of the thrice blessed Day of Vesak and the theme of “the serenity of the mind” introduced by the Government of Sri Lanka for the Vesak celebrations in 2023.
In addition to the main ceremony at the temple, a Vesak Lantern competition was held at the Official Residence of the Ambassador. The event was inaugurated by lighting the oil lamp by the Ambassador and the distinguished guests representing the four religions communities of Sri Lanka in the Sultanate, following which two Venerable Theros chanted pirith to the devotees gathered at the residence. Creative and innovative Vesak lanterns were showcased by the Sri Lankan community members in the Sultanate and a panel of judges appraised the displays.
The committee of the Sambuddhathawa Jayanthi Viharaya and the Sri Lankan Social Club in Oman in coordination with the Embassy organized a blood donation and medical camp at the Embassy premises on 06 May 2023 from 8.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. Dansal Almsgivings were also organized by the Sri Lankan community at the Embassy premises.
The Ambassador and the staff of the Mission held an almsgiving to the three Ven. Monks from Sri Lanka at the Official Residence of the Ambassador on 08 May 2023. The Ambassadors and their spouses, Charge de Affaires, and Diplomatic staff of the Muscat based Diplomatic Missions of Japan, Nepal, Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia and South Korea attended the almsgiving occasion and Venerable Borellae Kovida Thero conducted a Damma Sermon followed by chanting Sethpirith. Concluding the event, Ambassadors and the Diplomatic staff joined together to offer alms to the venerable Theros. The President and the office bearers of the temple committee were also present at the rituals and the almsgiving.
Sambuddha Puja, Damma sermons and Bakthi Gee organized by the temple committee and the Vesak Lantern display will continue till 13 May 2023 and the celebration will conclude after the awarding ceremony for the winners of the Vesak Lantern competition.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Muscat
11 May 2023
