The International Day of Vesak was celebrated at the UN premises in Nairobi with the participation of several Ambassadors and High Commissioners, senior UN officials and other dignitaries on 17 May 2011. The Buddhist Flag was jointly hoisted by H.E. Jayantha Dissanayake, the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka and Mr. Thawat Kwanchti Actg. Ambassador of the Royal Thai Embassy, before commencement of the function. The lighting of the traditional oil lamp was done with the participation of all Heads of Missions present and with the senior officials of UN including some members of the Sri Lanka Association.
A large Buddhist Flag was hoisted at the Main Entrance to the UN premises in Nairobi on the Vesak Day.
Ven. Bhante Wimala Nayake Thero conducted religious obserances after offering flowers to the Lord Buddha. A Dhamma Talk and a brief meditation programme was conducted by the Nayake Thero thereafter. The event was organised jointly by the Royal Thai Embassy and the Sri Lanka High Commission in Nairobi, with the support of the expatriate Thai community and Sri Lankan community in Kenya. Thai Buddhists and Sri Lankan Buddhists participated at the ceremony with the Mission staff of both the countries with other invited guests.
A message issued by the President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue was read out after the Dhamma Talk. The message of the Secretary General of the UN was also read out by his representative at the ceremony.
High Commission of Sri Lanka
Nairobi
