Buddha’s teachings help to create a better world: Nepal President

Nepal’s President Bidya Devi Bhandari (C) walks with officials as she arrives at the closing ceremony of an international Buddhist Conference at The Temple of the Tooth in Kandy - AFP

Nepal and Sri Lanka are excellent pearls hung in the Indian Ocean which should have greater connectivity, said Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandari addressing the closing ceremony of the 14th UN Vesak Day Celebrations held at the premises of the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Dalada Maligawa) in Kandy yesterday. 

She was the Chief Guest at the closing ceremony. President Bhandari said that in recent years high-level visits and participation at forums such as SAARC have led to strengthened bilateral relations between the two countries. She said that Sri Lanka has done much to promote Buddhism and the people of Sri Lanka had a special affinity with Nepal due to Buddhism.

“I hope that the deliberations and ideas that came at the conference would help spread Buddhism around the world,” she said.

She appreciated late Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar’s efforts to present the resolution at the UN to commemorate Vesak as an international event. President Bhandari also said that Nepal was proud that they fully supported the resolution.

Both countries have faced conflicts and the teachings of the Buddha such as tolerance, compassion and harmony had guided them. It has been proved that the power of the ballot is greater than the power of the bullet, she added.

“Buddha is the light of the world. We should practice his teachings to create a better world,” the President stated.

She said that Buddha’s teachings help us to solve the hardships we face and create a peaceful world. 

“As the home to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, we Nepalese are committed to world peace and it is linked to Nepal’s Identity. Nepal is home to 10 world heritage sites.”

President Bhandari said that a Comprehensive Master Plan with the Lumbini Development Trust is being developed. Under that a Gautam Buddha airport is being built as a holy place for peace and pilgrims.

In addition, the Lumbini Buddhist University has also streamlined its academic activities.