The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Jakarta successfully hosted the Vesak Celebrations & Cultural Show at Hotel Borobudur Jakarta on 12 May 2025, in collaboration with the Sri Lankan Airlines. The event was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, members of the diplomatic corps, heads and representatives of Buddhist organizations in Indonesia, other Indonesian dignitaries, and members of the Sri Lankan community in Indonesia.
The celebration aimed to showcase Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage rooted in Buddhism, while also promoting the country as a tourist destination, particularly among the Indonesian Buddhist community. This event formed part of a month-long cultural festival organized by Hotel Borobudur under the theme Discover Borobudur Heritage, commemorating the Vesak festival.
Chargé d’Affaires (a.i.) Nilanthi K. Pelawaththage, in her welcome address to over 200 guests, highlighted the Vesak traditions of Sri Lanka, which are customarily observed by devotees to commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Lord Buddha.
Venerable Rohanakiththi Thero, who visited from the Mahamewnawa Meditation Monastery in Sri Lanka, delivered a sermon in both English and Bahasa Indonesia, emphasizing the significance of Vesak Day and guiding the audience through a session of loving-kindness meditation.
The event featured a captivating traditional Sri Lankan dance and drum performances by the visiting troupe from the Suranga Ethugala Dance Academy. A cultural bazaar was also held, with booths hosted by Ceylon Cinnamon, PT David Roy-Indonesia (the distributor of Dilmah tea in Indonesia), and the Sri Lankan Airlines.
Guests were treated to authentic Sri Lankan cuisine to conclude the event. A special highlight was the Kottu action station, operated by Chef Lakshitha Sandaruwan from Sri Lanka, which drew considerable interest and appreciation from attendees.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Jakarta
14 May 2025
