The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Singapore in collaboration with the Singapore Sinhala Buddhist Association organised the “Singapore Vesak Celebrations” at the Sri Lankaramaya Buddhist temple in Singapore on 02 June 2023 with the participation of over 1000 visitors including Singapore Buddhists, the Diplomatic Corps, and the Sri Lankan expatriate community.
Welcoming the invitees President of the Singapore Sinhala Buddhist Association U.W. Amarasuriya, highlighted the contribution made by the Buddhists to the cultural harmony of Singapore.
Addressing the gathering High Commissioner Sashikala Premawardhane emphasized the significance of the Vesak which is one of the Sri Lankan’s most celebrated Buddhists festivals and the most colourful one. High Commissioner further stated that the collaborative effort of the High Commission with the Singapore Sinhala Buddhist Association was to provide an opportunity for Singapore Buddhists, the Diplomatic Corps, and the Sri Lankan expatriate community to witness the beauty, warmth, and camaraderie that Sri Lanka’s beloved festival of Vesak brings which is very much a part of Sri Lankan society.
Addressing the gathering, Guest of Honour, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs & Ministry of National Development of Singapore Dr. Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim stated that he was delighted to experience the Vesak celebrations of Sri Lanka by taking part of the auspicious occasion. He further added that Buddha’s teachings remind us that true wisdom lies not merely in empty rhetoric but in the actions that foster harmony, peace and tranquillity.
With the intension of showcasing the spirit of Vesak as celebrated in Sri Lanka, a Vesak kalapaya (a dedicated celebration zone) was organised at the temple enabling visitors to witness and experience the essence of Vesak. Vesak kalapaya was formed with the illumination of traditional Sri Lankan Vesak decorations including Vesak lanterns and a pandol. The Guest of Honour Dr. Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim with the participation of diplomatic corps and other invitees illuminated the Vesak lanterns and the Pandol.
“Singapore Vesak celebrations” was organised on 02 June, coincide with the day which Singapore Buddhists celebrated the Vesak in accordance with the Chinese Lunar calendar.
The event concluded providing Sri Lankan style local food at the dansala followed by the Buddha Pooja and Seth Pirith.
High Commission of Sri Lanka
Singapore
06 June 2023
