While Sri Lanka celebrated the United Nations Wesak Day, The most sacred event in the Buddhist calendar, with the participation of over 1600 persons from 85 countries, the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Pretoria, also joined in the religious ceremonies in the presence of Sri Lanka expatriate community, South African and Thai participants.
The High Commissioner, H.E. Sunil De Silva, in his welcome speech described the significance of Wesak and the universal message of peace it delivers to all mankind, irrespective of differences. The High Commissioner further described the ways in which this important message is spread in Sri Lanka on Wesak day, such as through engaging in religious activities throughout the day and offering of food and drink, to the passersby through ‘dansels’. Moreover, the High Commissioner also described, how the life of bodhisattva and Lord Buddha are depicted in Sri Lanka, through illuminated pandols, built through voluntary contributions, on this day.
The Chief priest of Johannesburg Meditation Centre Venerable Phra Kitsakol attended the event at the invitation of the High Commission, to conduct the religious activities. The chief prelate, in his acceptance speech, praised the High Commission for all the efforts made to mark this important day of the year. This was followed by a sermon and a meditation session. The chanting of pirith was also done, by the lay deities.
A significant addition to this year’s celebration was the singing of Buddhist devotional songs by the Sri Lankan expatriate community in South Africa. A floral offering was also made by the participant at the Buddha statue erected at the High Commission premises. In keeping with the traditions of Sri Lanka, Wesak lanterns were also lit by the participants.
The Day of Wesak, which marks the birth, enlightenment and death (parinirvana) of the Lord Buddha, was held on 10 May 2017 at the High Commission premises.
The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Pretoria
17th May, 2017
