Vesak, the most significant day in the calendar of Buddhists worldwide, was celebrated in a predominantly religious manner, at the Chancery premises of the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Pretoria. The religious rites were conducted by the Chief monk of the Johannesburg Meditation Centre who delivered a sermon on the importance of Vesak Day, followed by a brief meditation session. During his sermon, the chief monk mentioned that the United Nations General Assembly recognised Vesak in 2000, in acknowledgement of the contribution that Buddhism has made for the betterment of humanity.
The welcome speech was delivered by Sri Lanka's High Commissioner to South Africa Sunil de Silva who reiterated on the importance of the Day to the gathering. A special feature of the event was singing of Vesak devotional songs by the High Commission staff and members of the Sri Lankan community. The evening ceremony was concluded with the lighting of Vesak lanterns made by the High Commission staff and the Sri Lankan community.
