The second session of the Vesak Festival organized by the Permanent Delegation of Sri Lanka to UNESCO at the UNESCO Headquarters started with a meditation session conducted by the Most Venerable Parawahera Chandrarathana Nayaka Thera, Chief Incumbent of the International Buddhist Centre in Paris followed by a Symposium held with a view to celebrate intercultural and interfaith harmony.
Erudite Buddhist scholar, Most Venerable Phra Shakyavongsvisuddhi (Dr. Anil Sakya), a renowned Buddhist monk carrying the special Ecclesiastical title of ‘Phra Shakyavongsvisuddhi’ awarded in 2014 by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, Ven. Professor. Mahinda Deegalle, Professor of Study of Religions, Philosophies and Ethics of the Bath Spa University of Great Britain, Monsignor Franceso Follo, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to UNESCO and Former Senior Cabinet Minister, Mr. Athauda Seneviratne made presentations on the main theme during the panel discussion hosted by celebrated moderator, Alex Taylor where the panelists discussed and deliberated on multiculturalism, interfaith dialogue and cohesion.
The event encompassing a symposium, knowledge sharing platform, intellectual dialogue, artistry and Buddhist cultural celebrations which spanned over one day, concluded with an evening of vibrant and mesmerizing cultural performances showcasing diverse forms of devotion to Lord Gauthama Buddha by both local and international artists representing Sri Lanka and several other countries of the ASPAC Group enacting various dances as well as songs of devotion and peace. The cultural evening comprised of a plethora of peformances comprising of beautiful opera singing by Japanese soprano singer, Ms. Yui Nanasawa and Mr. Keisuke Konno, pulsating dancing by the Chinese dancers, a captivating Nepali dance performance on the theme of love as well as spectacular performances by Sri Lankan dancing troupes.
The invitees were also treated to a ‘Dane’ and food festival with an array of authentic Sri Lankan, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Italian, and French cuisine catering to around 2500 people. A Ceylon Tea Station also operated at the premises which attracted most of the crowd.
The Vesak Day Celebrations concluded successfully and was attended by over 2500 people including members of the Buddhist clergy, other religious dignitaries, politicians representing the French Parliament, Members of the Diplomatic corps and Permanent Delegates accredited to UNESCO, staff of the UNESCO Secretariat, media, academia and Members of the Sri Lankan as well as other communities.
