The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Kathmandu celebrated Vesak on 02 May 2018 at the Embassy premises with the participation of the Sri Lankan community, members of Buddhist Associations in Nepal, and well-wishers.
The Vesak Programme commenced with an alms giving for Maha Sangha at the official residence of the Ambassador of Sri Lanka. The Most Ven. Kotugoda Dhammawasa Maha Nayaka Thero, Chief Sanghanayaka of Amarapura Maha Nikaya, Ven. Dr. Pallekande Rathnasara Maha Thero, General-Secretary of Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Nikaya, and Ven. Prof. Gallelle Sumanasiri Thero, Vice Chancellor, Pali and Buddhist University of Sri Lanka were among the Buddhist monks who participated in the alms giving.
The evening session of the programme consisted of the observance of five precepts by Most. Ven. Dr. Gnapurnika Maha Thero, Deputy Sanghanayaka of Nepal, followed by Buddha Pooja and chanting of Pirith.
A Dhamma sermon and a short Anusasana were delivered by Ven. Pallekande Rathanasara Maha Thero, General-Secretary of Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Nikaya and Ven. Bhaddiya Thero of Yempi Viharaya, Kathmandu.
Addressing the gathering, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Nepal Swarna Perera elaborated the importance of Vesak and expounded on Gautama Buddha’s teachings, especially on non-violence, compassion and peace. The Ambassador further said that in 1999, UN General Assembly officially declared internationally, the Day of Vesak as the most significant day for Buddhist all over the world, at the request of then Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar and that the International Day of Vesak is now a holiday declared by the United Nations.
Both the Embassy and the Official Residence of the Ambassador were decorated with Buddhist flags and colourful Vesak lanterns made by the staff of the Embassy and their family members.
