The Embassy of Sri Lanka, Manila in cooperation with the Wisdom Foundation and the resident Sri Lankans of the Philippines celebrated the Vesak Festival on the 25th of May 2013 followed by a series of events in commemorating the Birth, Enlightenment and Passing Away of Lord Buddha. The evening Programme started with a Bodhi Pooja, held at the Wisdom Park where a sapling of the Sri Maha Bodhi was planted upon the visit of Hon. D.M. Jayaratne, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka in May 2011. The Bodhi Pooja was conducted by Ven. Embilipitiye Gunasiri Thero, and participated by Chief Monk Bup Kwan of Korea and Ven. Lamadamdul from Nepal.
The Bodhi Pooja, was followed by a donation of 60 packs of rations to deserving families who are living in difficult conditions. The Sri Lankan Community in the Philippines who actively participated in the Donation Campaign was also present to witness this generous act.
At 6.30 p.m. the Sri Lankan community and the other invited guests gathered at the Sri Lanka Residence to attend the Dhamma Sermon conducted by Ven. Embilipitiye Gunasiri Thero. Colorful Vesak lanterns, lamps and Buddhist flags highlighted the Vesak aura at the Sri Lanka Residence. This session was also participated by the Diplomatic Corps; namely Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam and Laos who were warmly received by H.E. Nawalage Bennet Cooray, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Philippines. The Dhamma Sermon was followed by an orchestral performance by the Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple to pay Homage to the Triple Gem and the Vesak Celebrations in Manila concluded with dinner.
