The Embassy of Sri Lanka together with the Sri Lankan community in Ethiopia organized a colourful lantern festival on 05 May 2023 at the official residence of the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Ethiopia in commemoration of the Vesak ceremony of the year 2023 in Ethiopia. During the festival, traditional Sri Lankan Vesak lanterns made by the Sri Lankan community and the staff of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia were displayed offering homage to Lord Buddha who illuminated the world through his teachings.
There were more than 150 participants at the lantern festival including a large number of foreign diplomats, high level government officials, influential individuals, and also a significant number of Sri Lankan citizens in Ethiopia.
In parallel to the lantern festival, a “Vesak Dansala” was organized by the Sri Lankan community and the Embassy staff distributing around 1,000 packs of short-eats and drinks among the needy. The invited guests and other participants were served a traditional Sri Lankan dinner showcasing Sri Lankan hospitality.
In addition to the Vesak lantern festival, the Embassy staff along with their family members participated in traditional rituals of Vesak Poya day at the Embassy premises on 08 May 2023 by offering “Buddha Poojawa'' to Lord Buddha. Vesak Day messages of the President and the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka were read out and the Dhamma sermon on the occasion of the Vesak full moon Poya day was screened. The event concluded with remarks by the Head of Mission. The Buddhist flags were displayed at the official residence as well as the Embassy premises throughout the celebrations.
Independently, the Sri Lankan citizens in Hawassa Industrial Park which is situated about 300 km away from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia organized a series of events to commemorate this year’s Vesak Day celebration with colourful lit up Vesak lanterns within the premises of the industrial parks, a Dansala, a dharma sermon and other rituals.
The Vesak festivals held under the Public Diplomatic initiatives of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Ethiopia significantly increased the awareness of Buddhism, Sri Lankan Buddhist culture, traditions and heritage among the people of Ethiopia
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Addis Ababa
11 May 2023
