Embassy of Sri Lanka Washington DC observes Vesak

Saturday, 31 May 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Embassy of Sri Lanka together with the Sri Lankan Buddhist Community in the greater Washington area observed this year’s Vesak Poya Day on 13 May 2014 in the Embassy premises.

Buddhists around the world celebrate the birth, enlightenment and passing away of Lord Buddha on Vesak day, which is the most important religious festival for Buddhists. The Embassy of Sri Lanka celebrates the important religious festivals of Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and Christian traditions with the Sri Lankan community in the United States every year. The Embassy staff annually organises an almsgiving ceremony for the members of maha sangha in view of Vesak celebrations. Seventeen venerable members of the Buddhist clergy representing the Washington Buddhist Vihara, Maryland Buddhist Vihara, Bhavana Society in West Virginia and Maha-mewna Asapuwa in Gaith-ersburg attended the almsgiving. Chief Incumbent of the Washington Buddhist Vihara Ven. Maharagama Dhammasiri Nayake thero administered Pansil for the devotees. Chief Incumbent of the Maryland Buddhist Vihara, Ven. Katugastota Uparatana Nayake thero conducted the offering for the Lord Buddha. The clergy chanted Pirith to invoke blessings to the President and the people of Sri Lanka, the Embassy staff, the people in the United States and the rest of the world. Ven. Thalgaswawe Seelananda thero of the Bhavana Society of West Virginia delivered the Dhamma discourse on the importance of Vesak. Ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya and Priyanga Wickramasuriya, diplomats of the Embassy, Sri Lankan Community leaders representing multi-faiths, and Embassy staff members attended the event.