“ I am pleased to issue this message on the occasion of Vesak.
Vesak is the most sacred festival day for Buddhists as it commemorates the birth, enlightenment and passing away of Lord Buddha. Lord Buddha is acclaimed as a great scientific thinker and a philosopher and his teachings are universal and stand contemporary even today.
As one of the oldest philosophies in the world, Buddhism has contributed towards the spirituality of humankind for over two and a half millennia and continues to do so. Given the current complex global challenges, the message of Lord Buddha of peace, compassion and loving-kindness is ever more essential in practice.
The timeless values of non-violence, non-discrimination, equality and forgiveness preached by Lord Buddha can continue to be embraced today as a means of conflict prevention, and in the promotion and protection of human rights. The Buddha’s message is particularly relevant at a time when Sri Lanka is emphasizing the value of national unity and reconciliation.
The timeless universal values of Buddhism have greatly impacted Sri Lankan culture and it is evident particularly at the events connected with Vesak. Following the pandemic and recent economic and political challenges the country faced, this Vesak season, it is extremely encouraging to see all Sri Lankans uniting to celebrate this occasion.
The United Nations General Assembly, by its resolution 54/115 of 1999, recognized internationally the Day of Vesak, thereby acknowledging the contribution of Buddhism for the betterment of the world. In this context, I recall the efforts of the late Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar who took the lead to have this resolution adopted.
On this Vesak Day, I invite all of you to join in spreading the message of peace, harmony and compassion of Lord Buddha.”
