Vesak celebrations in Canberra

Vesak was celebrated at the Sri Lanka High Commission in Canberra on 29 April with the participation of members of the Sri Lankan community there and Australian officials. 

The celebrations commenced with the invoking of blessings and chanting of pirith by the resident Venerable Theros of the Sri Lanka Buddhist VIhara in Canberra, followed by a short Anusasana and Buddha Pooja.

The High Commission staff presented Bhakthi Gee while High Commissioner S. Skandakumar joined in to sing the final song Pōya Sandē Sanda Kiranin whose theme was for a world which exists in righteousness and peace. Live music was provided by the Canberra based ‘Nada Roo’ music group. 

Addressing the gathering, High Commissioner Skandakumar said the teachings of the Buddha, notably on tolerance, compassion and equanimity, were important lessons for our day-to-day lives. It was for that reason that Vesak was celebrated universally no matter what one’s religion might be.

He referred to the manner in which Rev. Walpola Rahula Thero was supported in 1930 in his early education by a Jaffna-born Tamil, Saravanamuttu Thangarajah, a school teacher at S. Thomas› College, who unhesitatingly opened up his home in Udahamulla to the reverend and supported him during his education. The relationship was so close that when his benefactor passed away the Venerable Reverend could not stop the flow of tears. 

The High Commissioner also reflected on India›s independence in 1947 which saw a large-scale loss of life and displacement and pointed out that six months later Ceylon - as Sri Lanka was then known - was granted its independence in a peaceful and dignified manner which was envied by all. 

The High Commissioner added: «In the ’90s when a devout Sinhala Buddhist embraced a conservative Tamil Hindu it had a magical effect on our nation›s cricket. I refer to Arjuna Ranatunga and Muttiah Muralitharan.”

He went on to recall how the whole country came together to raise funds to purchase a PET scan machine for the Maharagama Cancer Institute which helps to diagnose life-threatening illnesses in their early stages. 

He noted that “real happiness comes from being at peace with that conscience because no human being can ever hope to build his happiness on a fellow being’s unhappiness” and in conclusion the High Commissioner wished everyone “peace for your conscience.»

The High Commission premises were adorned with Buddhist flags and colourful Vesak lanterns made by the staff.