In commemoration of Vesak, the Sri Lanka Association in Bangladesh (SLAB) in collaboration with the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Dhaka organised a full-day Vesak programme at the High Commission premises on 24 May 2024 with the participation of the Sri Lankan community members residing in Bangladesh.
At the invitation of the Sri Lanka Association of Bangladesh, Venerable Hingure Pagnasekera Thero flew from Sri Lanka to Bangladesh to participate and conduct the Vesak day ceremony at the High Commission premises. The programme commenced in the morning, with the observance of “sil” where a large number of Sri Lankan community members participated.
A blood donation camp was also organised by the SLAB together with the Thalassemia Foundation of Bangladesh. Many donors participated in the donation camp, which is held annually in commemoration of Vesak. The evening programme commenced with the lighting of the oil lamps (pahan poojawa) by all dignitaries present and illuminating the High Commission premises together with the colourful traditional Vesak lanterns. The programme also included Bakthi Geetha under two categories which were for adults and also for children of the Sri Lankan School in Bangladesh. An open invitation was extended for all community members to participate in the traditional Vesak Lantern competition and to light up the High Commission premises, following which, special gifts were awarded to the winning participants.
High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Bangladesh Dharmapala Weerakkody, addressing the large gathering, highlighted the special significance of Vesak and requested all Sri Lankan community members to unite as one nation and contribute to rebuild the country, while observing the teachings of the Lord Buddha, who advised and practiced equality for all.
A Vesak “Dansala” was held in the evening providing dinner for all participants.
High Commission of Sri Lanka
Dhaka
31 May 2024
