The Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Bangkok commemorated the sacred Vesak Day on 17 May 2025 with a vibrant and spiritually enriching programme held at the Rama IX Golden Jubilee Temple. The celebration brought together members of the Sri Lankan and Thai Buddhist communities to honour the Birth, Enlightenment, and Parinirvana of the Lord Buddha.
A special Dhamma discussion and Buddha Pooja were conducted by Director of the B.A. in Buddhist Studies (English Program), Faculty of Buddhism, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University of Thailand Walmoruwe Piyarathana Thero, offering profound insights into the Buddha’s teachings. This was followed by a meditation session led by Ven. Phra Mahā Jonas Ariyavamso of Wat Chakdaeng, Samut Prakan, providing participants with an opportunity for mindfulness and spiritual reflection.
While delivering the welcoming remarks, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Thailand and Permanent Representative to UNESCAP, Wijayanthi Edirisinghe highlighted the long-standing shared Buddhist heritage between Sri Lanka and Thailand, and underscored the significance of Vesak as a symbol of peace, compassion, and unity across cultures.
Assistant Abbot of the Rama IX Golden Jubilee Temple Ven. Phradevvajra Nyanakavi, also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the deep spiritual significance of Visakha Puja Day and the enduring religious and cultural ties between the Thai and Sri Lankan Buddhist communities.
An alms-giving ceremony was arranged for 38 Buddhist monks, upholding the traditional practice of Dana which is central to Theravāda Buddhist culture. Engaging the younger generation, the programme also featured a hands-on activity where young novices and children created traditional Vesak lanterns, fostering cultural awareness and active participation in Buddhist traditions.
Adding a creative and educational dimension to the celebration, short films and a documentary produced by Winson Production Company in Sri Lanka were screened. These featured the life and teachings of the Buddha, global Buddhist culture, and Sri Lanka’s iconic Buddhist pilgrimage sites—serving as a powerful medium for cultural promotion and spiritual storytelling.
Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka
Bangkok
23 May 2025
