Vesak celebrations in Beijing

On Sunday, 29 April Vesak was celebrated in grand scale at the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing with the participation of a number of ambassadors and diplomatic corps of various countries such as Pakistan, Nepal, Vietnam, Maldives, Afghanistan, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Slovakia, Singapore, Bulgaria, Peru, Uruguay, Ethiopia, etc., Chinese Buddhist Associations, Sri Lankan community and well-wishers. 

The morning session of the Vesak program consisted of Observing Sill and Dhamma Deshana which were conducted by Venerable Gangodavila Ariyagawesi Thero, Venerable Gangodawila Santhamanasa Thero, and Venerable Batheegama Meththaji Thero. 

The evening session stared with observance of five precepts and Chinese Buddhist monks headed by Ven. Yan Jue, Vice President of the Buddhist Association of China conducted the chanting to bless the gathering. 

Addressing the participants, Ambassador Dr. Karunasena Kodituwakku stated that the Vesak Festival commemorates the birth, enlightenment and the demise known as Parinirvana of Lord Buddha and by holding this festival annually, the Embassy of Sri Lanka venerates and celebrates the highest achievement of human wisdom. Further he blessed goodness, happiness and prosperity to everyone involved in the celebrations.   

Among the events of the day the photography exhibition on Buddhist sacred places in Sri Lanka and the photo collection of statues of Lord Buddha in 20 Asian countries were appreciated by the Diplomatic Corps.

Embassy of Nepal, Vietnam, Pakistan and Myanmar joined hands with the event by providing sculpture stall on Buddha’s statues, free food stalls, etc. to the event.