The International Day of Vesak was observed at the Embassy of Sri Lanka in The Hague on 10 May 2018, amidst a representative gathering of the diplomatic community in The Netherlands. This was the second occasion that the International Day of Vesak was observed in The Netherlands, following the inaugural event at the Peace Palace, home to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, in May last year.
The programme commenced with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp by the Guest of Honour, Dr. Peter Tomka, former President and current judge of the ICJ, who was joined by the Ambassadors of Cuba, India, Malaysia, Oman, Russia and Sri Lanka. This was followed by the performance of a Puja Dance by a bevy of five Sri Lankan young dancers, which was greatly appreciated by the audience. Thereafter, Bhakthi Gee was sung by a choir, comprising members of the Embassy staff and the Sri Lankan community, conducted by Maestro Jayantha Kapuwatta.
The Ambassador of Sri Lanka, A.M.J. Sadiq, in his welcome address briefly traced the origin of the International Day of Vesak observance to the initiative of the late Sri Lankan Foreign Minister, Hon. Lakshman Kadirgarmar, who piloted the adoption of the UN General Assembly Resolution on the “International Recognition of the Day of Vesak at United Nations Headquarters and other United Nations Offices” in December 1999.
Ambassador Sadiq recalled the strong support of the then President of the ICJ, Judge Ronny Abraham to the Sri Lanka Embassy to hold the inaugural International Day of Vesak event last year, in the Great Hall of Justice at the Peace Palace where the ICJ holds its sittings. Referring to Judge Tomka, Ambassador Sadiq stated that his presence at this year’s event signified the continuing support of the ICJ to the Sri Lanka Embassy in observing the International Day of Vesak in The Hague, the International City of Peace and Justice. He also warmly acknowledged the generous financial support of the principal sponsor of the Vesak Day celebration, the Dutch construction company, Janson Bridging International and its CEO, Robert Barkel, who had come forward to underwrite the total expenditure incurred in holding the event, as they had done for the inaugural celebration last year.
The Ambassador also extended a cordial welcome to the Apostolic Nuncio, Monsignor Aldo Cavalli who was present and had shared a message on the occasion of Vesak 2018 from the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue in the Holy See, under the title “Christians & Buddhists: Preventing and Combatting Corruption Together”. In this message, Pope Francis, in his monthly prayer intention for February 2018 urged people “Say, “No” to Corruption”. In denouncing “the sin of corruption”, the Pope observed that it is the poor who ultimately pay the price for corruption.
The Ambassador went on to read the message, which stated thus, “Dear friends, as Buddhists, you regard corruption as an unwholesome state of mind that causes suffering and contributes to an unhealthy society. You identify three principal toxins - greed, hate and delusion or ignorance – as sources of this social scourge that must be eliminated for the good of the individual and society”. “Even though both our religious traditions firmly denounce the evil of corruption, we sadly acknowledge that some of our followers participate in corrupt practices and this leads to bad governance, corporate bribery and pillaging of national assets.” Dear friends, may we actively commit ourselves to fostering within our families and social, political, civil and religious institutions an environment free of corruption by living a life of honesty and integrity”.
The highlight of the proceedings was the guest lecture delivered by the erudite Dutch Buddhist monk and internationally renowned meditation teacher, Ven. Olande Ananda Thero. In his lecture, the Ven. Thero traced the history of Buddhism from its origin in India and its spread across many parts of Asia, through the two major Schools of Thought, namely the Mahayana and Theravada branches.
It was in the fitness of things that the celebration of the International Day of Vesak provided the setting for the international launch of the autobiography of Ven. Olande Ananda, published under the interesting title, “Monks and Monkeys”. The Ven. Thero. presented autographed copies of the book to the Guest of Honour, Dr. Peter Tomka, Judge of the ICJ and Ambassador Sadiq. Ambassadors and diplomats from over 35 countries, as well as representatives of international organizations in The Hague attended the event, despite the day being a public holiday on the occasion of Ascension Day.
At the end of the programme, which was conducted by Zara Mathew, a Sri Lankan lawyer working in The Netherlands, light refreshments were served to the invitees.
On the following day, 11 May 2018, Vesak was celebrated at the Embassy premises with the participation of the Sri Lankan community in The Netherlands. The Buddhist rituals were conducted under the auspices of Ven. Kurunegala Anandaghosa Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery in The Netherlands who also delivered the Dhamma Deshana (Sermon) to the assembled gathering, followed by a Bhakthi Gee recital conducted by Jayantha Kapuwatte. Cash prizes and gifts were awarded to winners and participants of the Children’s Art Competition conducted by the Embassy and the Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery. The highlight of the event was unveiling of the beautifully illuminated Vesak Thorana (Pandol) by the Ambassador of Sri Lanka, A.M.J. Sadiq and the Ambassador of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mohammed Belal. At the end of the programme, the devotees and participants were treated to a Dansala (dinner).
