Daily Archives: May 20, 2011

The Government of Sri Lanka has consistently espoused and been guided by the gentle tenets of Buddhism, which emphasizes Karuna, Metta, Muditha and Upeksha meaning  -kindness, loving compassion, thoughtfulness and equanimity said Kshenuka Senewiratne addressing a large international gathering at the commemoration of the  2600th Anniversary of Sri Sambuddhathva Jayanthi, which  was celebrated at the United Nations in Geneva on the 11th May 2011. This commemorative event was organized by the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Geneva, at the United Nations Assembly Hall, which is considered a most prestigious venue. This occasion was also graced by Hon. Mahinda Amaraweera, Minister of Disaster Management and Mr. Kassym Jomart Tokayev, United Nations Under-Secretary General and the newly appointed Director General of the United Nations Office in Geneva, who is the former Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan.

The International Day of Vesak was celebrated at the UN premises in Nairobi with the participation of several Ambassadors and High Commissioners, senior UN officials and other dignitaries on 17 May 2011. The Buddhist Flag was jointly hoisted by H.E. Jayantha Dissanayake,  the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka and  Mr. Thawat Kwanchti Actg. Ambassador of the Royal Thai Embassy, before commencement of the function.  The lighting of the traditional oil lamp  was done with  the participation of all Heads of Missions present and with the senior officials of UN including some members of the Sri Lanka Association.  

"It is appropriate that the enlightenment of Gauthama the Buddha 2600 years ago, a  teacher who preached non-violence, tolerance, understanding and self realization, should be celebrated by the United Nations. This organization was created on the smouldering embers of global war and the resulting death, destruction and massive displacement, to maintain international peace and security, to achieve international cooperation in solving international problems and to develop friendly relations among nations based on mutual respect.
Against this background, the Buddha's message remains ever relevant", Dr Palitha Kohona.

The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Pretoria with association of Buddhist Temples    of Thailand, China, and Myanmar, has organised series of events to commemorate the 2600th Anniversary of the Enlightenment of Lord Buddha ,the 2600th Sri Sambuhtdhathwa Jayanthi. The main celebration was held in the evening of Vesak day, 17th May 2011 at the Johannesburg Meditation Centre, highlighting the importance of Buddhist teachings and its relevance to day-to-day life under the theme “Let us   Revitalize our Moral Life”.

Sinhala-Hindu New Year Celebrations were organised by the Sri Lankan Association of Kenya on 1st May 2011. The New Year celebrations were ceremonially  declared open by H.E.. Jayantha Dissanayake, the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Kenya after hoisting the National Flag and  lighting the traditional oil lamp.