Vesak, commemorating the birth, the enlightenment and the passing away of Lord Buddha, was celebrated on low key, at the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing on 15 May 2022. The attendance was limited only to the Staff of the Embassy and their family members due to the COVID-19 related restrictions in Beijing.
The programme commenced with the offering of flowers to Lord Buddha by the Embassy Staff. The Ambassador, Dr. Palitha Kohona delivered his remarks online as he was in quarantine after attending the credential ceremony in Mongolia. The Ambassador emphasized the significance of celebrating Vesak in Sri Lanka. He said that the Buddha achieved enlightenment and then shared his wisdom so that all living beings could exist in harmony, mutual understanding and contentment. He further said that the Buddha's message of peace, tolerance and mutual coexistence was very relevant today. There were innumerable, powerful and life changing lessons that one could learn from Buddhism to overcome the current challenges.
He extended his gratitude to the Chinese government for coming forward as an "admirable friend", as a Kalyāṇa-mittatā extending RMB 500 million humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka. He expressed confidence that the bilateral financial assistance requested from the Chinese government would be released soon.
In order to provide a familiar and homely ambiance and to evoke the feeling of Vesak, the Embassy premises were brightly decorated with Vesak lanterns in the colours of the Buddhist flag and a thousand lights. Devotional songs were sung by the staff of the Embassy and their family members.
The event concluded with a Sri Lankan style dansala followed by Seth Pirith.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Beijing
17 May, 2022
