SL President’s message on Vesak

May 23, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe has conveyed a poignant message for Vesak, highlighting the festival’s deep spiritual significance for Buddhists worldwide.

Vesak, which commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha, is celebrated with profound devotion by Buddhists in Sri Lanka and across the globe.

During this sacred period, they engage in religious observances and venerate the Buddha with fervent devotion.

In his message, the President emphasised the importance of embodying the same great zeal for enlightenment that the Buddha exemplified.

He cited the Buddha’s sermon, “Maththasukha parichchaga- passé che vipulan sukhan,” which encourages sacrificing today for a better tomorrow.

This, he suggested, is particularly pertinent in the current challenging times the nation faces.

The President reminded the nation of the Buddha’s advice, “Sabbattha Sammanaso,” urging everyone to treat each other equally.

He called for this principle to be actively practised, stating that it is the greatest offering that can be presented to the Buddha on Vesak.

The President underscored the need for unity, regardless of race, religion, caste, or political affiliation, to heal and rebuild the country. He invoked the principles of Lichchavi Raja Dharmaya as a guiding framework for this endeavour.

Full Statement:

“The Vesak festival is a profoundly sacred day for Buddhists worldwide, commemorating the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and passing. Buddhists in Sri Lanka, along with their brethren around the globe, celebrate Vesak with deep devotion. They spend this period engaging in religious observances and venerating the Buddha with fervent devotion.

At this challenging moment, we as a nation should cultivate the same great zeal for enlightenment that Buddha exemplified, inspired by his sermon, “Maththasukha parichchaga- passé che vipulan sukhan” – to sacrifice today for a better tomorrow.

We must remember the advice of Lord Buddha, “Sabbattha Sammanaso,” to treat everyone equally and ensure we put it into practice as a country. This is the greatest offering we can present to the Buddha on this Vesak day. Regardless of race, religion, caste, or political affiliation, we must all unite to heal and rebuild our country. The principles of Lichchavi Raja Dharmaya will guide us in this endeavour.

Let us keep in mind that the primary aim of the Vesak festival is to foster spiritual growth and character development in a world rapidly advancing physically. I wish everyone a blessed Vesak festival.”