The Vesak festival organized by the Sri Lankan Embassy in Cuba was held from 14 to 18 May 2014 at the Embassy premises on a grand scale for the second consecutive year. The members of the Sri Lankan community and the students in Cuba enthusiastically took part in religious observances including offering of alms and flowers and other meritorious deeds. The Embassy premises was colourfully decorated with Buddhist flags, illuminations, lanterns, pandals etc. for the Thrice Blessed Day which was reminiscent of a typical “Vesak” festival in Sri Lanka.
A special feature of the Vesak was the opportunity afforded to members of the Diplomatic Corps and Cuban dignitaries to join the celebrations and participate in Buddhist rituals. Ambassador Sarath Dissanayake in his brief address to the audience, spoke of the importance of promoting peace, compassion and understanding among people of different religious and socio - cultural backgrounds by respecting other religious beliefs, and practising loving kindness toward one another. He also noted that the "Vesak" which is celebrated by the Buddhists as the holiest day in the Buddhist calendar is a day of reflection for them to re-dedicate themselves towards attaining moral emancipation. The Vesak Festival held at the Embassy premises was a happy and spiritual occasion for the Buddhist community in Cuba which brought happy memories and peace of mind in keeping with the teachings of the Lord Buddha.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Havana, Cuba
19th May 2014
