In celebration of Vesak Poya Day 2025, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Romania, under the patronage of Ambassador Madurika Joseph Weninger, hosted a spiritually enriching event at the Embassy Chancery. The commemoration brought together members of the diplomatic corps, Romanian officials and parliamentarians, Sri Lankan and Romanian entrepreneurs, and the Sri Lankan expatriate community.
The day’s observances were held in two segments: a morning programme for the Sri Lankan community and a ceremonial evening event for the diplomatic and Romanian community.
In her welcome address, Ambassador Weninger highlighted Vesak’s dual significance—spiritual and cultural—and underscored the relevance of the Buddha’s teachings of compassion, non-violence, and mindfulness in today’s global landscape. Quoting from the Vesak Message of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, she emphasized the Four Brahmaviharas—Metta, Karuna, Mudita, and Upekkha—as guiding values for peace and coexistence.
The keynote Dhamma sermon was delivered by Venerable Habarawewa Suneetha Thero of the Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery in Frankfurt, Germany. His discourse focused on righteous living, wise friendship, financial mindfulness, and contentment.
Apostolic Nuncio to Romania and Moldova, Archbishop Giampiero Gloder, delivered the Vesak Message from the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, reaffirming the shared moral values of Buddhist and Christian teachings and the importance of fostering interfaith harmony.
The evening programme included the Observance of Pañca Sīla, Pirikara Pūjā, a video presentation of Vesak celebrations and devotional music from Sri Lanka, and the symbolic lighting of Vesak lanterns. The event concluded with a traditional Sri Lankan dinner hosted by the Ambassador, celebrating culinary heritage and fellowship.
During her speech, Ambassador Weninger acknowledged that Romania is home to over 20,000 Sri Lankans, a majority of whom are Buddhists, and reiterated the Embassy’s commitment to establishing a Buddhist temple in Romania. With positive responses from the Romanian authorities, she expressed optimism that official authorization could be secured soon.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Bucharest
02 June 2025
