• On 03 May, 2018

Embassy of Sri Lanka in Nepal celebrates Vesak

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Kathmandu celebrated Vesak on 02nd May 2018 at the Embassy premises with the participation of Sri Lankan community and members of Buddhist Associations in Nepal and well-wishers.

The Vesak Programme commenced with the alms giving at the official residence. Most Ven. Kotugoda Dhammawasa Maha Thero, Chief Sanganayaka of Amarapura Maha Nikaya, Ven. Dr. Pallekande Rathnasara Maha Thero, General Secretary of Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Nikaya and Ven. Prof. Gallelle Sumanasiri Thero, Vice-Chancellor, Pali and Buddhist University were also among the Buddhist monks.

The evening session of the programme consisted of the observance of five precepts by Most. Ven. Dr. Gnapurnika Maha Thero, Deputy Sanganayaka of Nepal followed by Buddha Pooja and chanting Pirith.

Dhamma Desana and a short Anusasana were delivered by Ven. Pallekande Rathanasara Maha Thero, General Secretary of Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Nikaya and Ven. Bhaddiya Thero of Yempi Viharaya, Kathmandu.

Addressing the gathering, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Nepal Swarna Perera elaborated the importance of Vesak and explained Gautama Buddha’s teachings especially on non-violence, compassion and peace. The Ambassador further said that in 1999 UN General Assembly officially declared the Day of Vesak as a United Nations International Day, at the request of then Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar and International Day of Vesak is a national holiday declared by the United Nations.

Both the Embassy and the Official Residence were decorated with Buddhist flags and colourful Vesak lanterns made by the members of the staff of the Embassy and their family members.
Refreshments were served to the participants at the end of the programme.


Embassy of Sri Lanka
Kathmandu
03rd May 2018