Vesak was celebrated from 26-31 May 2018 at the Buddhist Maha Vihara in Brickfields, which is one of the oldest temples in Malaysia, under the patronage of Most Venerable Dr. Kirinde Sri Dhammaratana Mahanayaka Thero, Chief Sanga Nayaka in Malaysia and the Chief incumbent of the Buddhist Maha Vihara. Sri Lanka's High Commissioner in Malaysia A. J. M. Muzammil, declared open the celebrations by hoisting the Buddhist Flag and ceremonially inaugurating the Vesak Pandol on 26 May 2018.
The Finance Minister of Malaysia, YB Tuan Lim Guan Eng officially launched the float procession and illuminated the Vesak Pandol on 29 May 2018. The Malaysian Finance Minister spoke on the significance of Vesak and the opportunity that has dawned to build a new Malaysia. In his speech, High Commissioner A. J. M. Muzammil, recalled the close ties between Sri Lanka and Malaysia and highlighted the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two Countries. The High Commissioner also conveyed congratulations from the President and Prime Minister of Sri Lanka to the new Government in Malaysia. YB Tuan Anthony Loke Siew Fook, Minister of Transport of Malaysia also participated in the International Vesak Celebrations.
The Day of Vesak, which the United Nations General Assembly formally recognised as a Day of Observance in 1999, is celebrated in Malaysia. The theme of the International Vesak Day Celebrations this year was “Harmonious Society through Tolerance and Understanding”.
This was the first time that a 60_foot Vesak Pandol was constructed outside Sri Lanka and the first occasion where such a large Pandol was constructed in Malaysia.
The Vesak Panadol, which depicted the story of "Kundalakesi” was displayed at the Buddhist Maha Vihara in Brickfields.
This Pandol was presented by the Government of Sri Lanka to the Buddhist Maha Vihara to commemorate 60 years of Diplomatic Relations between Sri Lanka and Malaysia.
The Vesak Pandol, which was brought from Sri Lanka had 35,000 bulbs and was constructed by Sri Lanka Army's Engineer Corps. A 17 - member work team from Sri Lanka Army visited Malaysia and constructed this colourful Vesak Pandol.
On the side lines of the main Vesak Programme, the High Commission of Sri Lanka with the assistance of Sri Lanka Army was able to make arrangements for a traditional Sri Lankan cultural troupe to visit Malaysia and add truly Sri Lankan Vesak ambiance to the celebrations.
The costs related to bringing the Vesak Pandol and the work team from Sri Lanka as well as the construction in Malaysia was borne by philanthropist Mr. Mahinda Jayasooriya, Proprietor of Serendib Restaurant in Malaysia. Accommodation and meals for the work team and the cultural troupe were provided by Mr. Sirisena Perera, President of the Sasana Abhiwurdhi Wardana Society of Buddhist Maha Vihara, Brickfields.
Over 200,000 devotees participated in the International Vesak Celebrations with a Veedhi Perahera of more than 20 elegantly designed floats and 50,000 devotees leading the procession through the main streets of Kuala Lumpur. The Vesak Pandol attracted a large number of visitors since this was a unique experience for all Malaysians.
The Temple also organized a blood donation campaign and a Sanghika Dana for over 100 monks. Free meals were provided to all devotees visiting the temple. The Vesak Celebrations further strengthened the bilateral relations, cultural ties and people to people contacts-between Sri Lanka and Malaysia.
