COLOMBO : “ I am delighted to extend this message in observance of Vesak 2024, a solemn occasion commemorating the birth, enlightenment and passing away of the Lord Buddha.
Vesak holds a great importance for Buddhists worldwide, including those in Sri Lanka.
Amidst the multifaceted global contemporary challenges, Buddhist principles offer profound insights and potential pathways towards non-violence and peaceful co-existence. The teachings of compassion and non-violence, serve as beacons of hope, guiding us towards constructive solutions.
Sri Lanka’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious communities, are a testament to the nation’s enduring commitment to harmony and coexistence, embedded deeply within the ethos of our country and the timeless wisdom of the Buddha, whose teachings resonate across the multiple faiths and cultures in the country.
As we mark the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the General Assembly Resolution 54/115, which recognized internationally the Day of Vesak, 1 am pleased to honor the memory of the late Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar, who played a pivotal role in securing this international recognition.
Let this Vesak celebration be a reminder of our collective journey towards global understanding, compassion, and unity.”
May 23, 2024