The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Singapore commemorated this year’s Vesak festival with a number of religious activities including the offering of alms to the Maha Sanga at the Sri Lankaramaya temple on 16 May. Following the almsgiving, Ven. Duldeniye Ghanarathana Thero of Sri Lankaramaya Temple delivered the Anushasana, emphasizing the universal applicability of Buddha’s teachings and the pragmatic approach of Buddhism to human conditions. Maha Sanga invoked blessings upon the High Commissioner and the staff of the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Singapore.
Considering the value of dhamma dana, the High Commission, with the support of the Singapore Buddhist Association, organized a Dhamma Sermon at Sri Lankaramaya temple on 18 May. Around 100 members of the Sri Lankan expatriate community, presidents and members of the Singapore Buddhist Association and Singapore Sinhala Association gathered to listen to the sermon along with the High Commissioner and the staff of the High Commission.
Venerable Wewala Somadhamma Thero, a resident monk of the Sri Lankaramaya Buddhist Temple delivered the sermon highlighting the significance of Vesak as a period for reflection, compassion, and recommitment to the teachings of Lord Buddha. The Dhamma Sermon was organized under the spiritual guidance of the Chief Incumbent of Sri Lankaramaya Buddhist Temple Ven. K. Rathanananda Nayaka Thero.
This year’s Vesak celebration also marks the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations General Assembly Resolution, which granted international recognition to the Day of Vesak acknowledging the significant contributions that Buddhism has made to the world for over two and a half millennia. At the end of the sermon the merits accrued were also transferred to then late Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar, who proposed the recognition of the Day of Vesak within the United Nations on behalf of 10 countries.
The High Commission was adorned with colourful Vesak lanterns, Buddhist flags, and decorations, during the Vesak week.
High Commission of Sri Lanka
Singapore
22 May 2024
