The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Ankara, Türkiye organized an event on 05 May 2023 to mark the Day of Vesak at the premises of the United Nations Office in Ankara with the participation of Head of the UN Office in Ankara Tom Delrue, diplomats, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye, academics and representatives from Turkish media.
The programme commenced with the traditional lightning of the oil lamp by the Ambassadors who were present from the countries which co-sponsored the Resolution on the declaration of the United Nations Day of Vesak in 1999 and several senior Turkish diplomats, including Ambassadors who have served in Sri Lanka.
The main feature was the presentation by Ambassador Hasanthi Dissanayake covering the aspects and essence of Buddhism, significance of Vesak, Sri Lanka and Buddhism, Vesak celebrations globally, ancient Buddhist heritages across the world and the background of the UN Day of Vesak. During the presentation, Ambassador Dissanayake, requested the participants to observe 02 minutes silence in honour of late Foreign Minister, Lakshman Kadirgamar, who was instrumental in championing the process to get this special day declared as UN observance day.
Addressing the gathering, Head of the UN Office Tom Delrue, recalled his time in Sri Lanka with the ICRC in 1990s, spoke of the significance of the event and then read the message of the UN Secretary General, Antonio Gutierrez, highlighting world peace and harmony among the multi-religious communities.
At the end of the event, participants were treated to Sri Lankan delicacies and Ceylon tea.
The Chancery premises was also decorated with colourful lights, Vesak lanterns and Buddhist flags in celebaration of Vesak.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Ankara
12 May 2023
