The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Rome organized three events to celebrate Vesak in collaboration with the Italian Buddhist Union and the Sri Lankan community under the guidance of Ambassador Wellawatte.
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Rome in coordination with the Italian Buddhist Union organized a Vesak programme for the Italian Buddhist followers, at the Associazione per la Meditazione di Consapevolezza Vipassanā in Rome. The programme was conducted in the Italian language and more than 100 foreign Buddhist followers participated in person and 200 people participated virtually.
On his welcome speech, Ambassador Wellawatte highlighted the teachings of Lord Buddha for the pursuance of harmony and the promotion of peace. The programme consisted of observing five precepts, a moment of meditation and reflection conducted by Mrs. Neva Papachristou, and a speech by Mrs. Francesca Roncoroni, Campaign Officer of the Italian Buddhist Union.
A procession comprising Buddhist monks, 32 curries for almsgiving (Buddha pooja) with the Sri Lankan traditional dance and drums was organized. The event captivated the foreigners around.
Dhamma sermons were conducted in Italian languages by Ven. Chandapalo Thero of Santacittarama Monastery in Rieti, Ven. Liyanwala Uditha Thero from Florence, Ven. Wilachchiye Dhammavijaya Thero from Parma and a speech by Prof. Antonino Raffone, Department of Psychology of “La Sapienza” University of Rome. Sri Lankan traditional dance item which was presented during the event added colours to the event. All the participants were served Sri Lankan cuisine and refreshments.
The programme was well received and the Italian Buddhist followers were impressed by the dhamma sermons and the cultural events. The programme has become a link to the Buddhist followers and the Sri Lankan Buddhist monks in Italy and the Vipassanā centre.
In addition, the Embassy organized other two events to celebrate Vesak, in collaboration with the Sri Lankan community. The first programme was held at the Embassy premises with the participation of the Sri Lankan community. Ven. Bandirippuwe Vinitha Thissa Thero conducted Buddha wandanawa and observed five precepts. Ven. Dario Doshin Thero of Centro Zen l’Arco, an Italian Monk delivered the dhamma sermon. Further, two troupes of students presented Buddhist devotional songs.
Further, the Embassy organized a poetic dhamma sermon at the Embassy premises for the Sri Lankan community. Poetic dhamma sermons were conducted by Wilachchiye Dhammavijaya Thero and his poetic dhamma sermons are popular among the Buddhist community in Italy.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Rome
26 May 2023
