UN hosts virtual Vesak
The United Nations in Sri Lanka along with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other Member States represented in Colombo hosted a virtual commemoration of the International Day of Vesak this week.
UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, Hanaa Singer Hamdy addressing virtual commemorations said Vesak was brought to international attention thanks to the late Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar.
“Thanks to Mr Kadirgamar, a resolution was tabled at the United Nations General Assembly, along with other member states, to include Vesak in the list of official UN international days,” Ms Hamdy said.
Reading the UN Secretary General António Guterres’s message, Ms Hamdy said: “As we face the lasting impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is clearer than ever that humility and deep empathy are essential to our well-being and that of our planet. On this day of Vesak, let’s resolve to build lives of peace and dignity for all on a healthy planet.”
Foreign Affairs Minister Dinesh Gunewardena said that this Vesak marks the 21st anniversary of the international recognition of the Day of Vesak by the United Nations.
“It is heartening to see the most sacred day for a fifth of the world population being celebrated and appreciated by the UN global community. In this light, I pay tribute to the late Hon Lakshman Kadirgamar who in his capacity as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sri Lanka took the initiative in 1999 and proposed at the 54th General Assembly that the UN honour the Buddha by observing the day of Vesak as a special day,” he said.
High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay, addressing the event, said for both India and Sri Lanka, the spiritual twins who share the umbilical cord of Buddhism, its importance is unparalleled.
“Both countries share a rich Buddhist cultural and spiritual heritage. India and Sri Lanka work with each other and the United Nations and UNESCO to conserve and promote this priceless heritage. The governments of India and Sri Lanka are working closely to promote our Buddhism ties and exchanges. Prime Minister Modi announced a fund of USD15 million last year for this purpose,” he said.
“On this sacred day I pray to the Buddha to alleviate the suffering of the world, and bestow his blessings for peace and well-being for all,” the Indian High Commissioner said.