May 31, (UN_NY): Sri Lanka, together with several other Member States of the UN participated in the annual International Recognition of the Day of Vesak at United Nations Headquarters in New York on 29 May.

The Ceremony consisted of religious observances from the Vajrayana and Theravada sects and colourful cultural performances from Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Laos, Mongolia, Myanmar, Thailand and Sri Lanka, in veneration of the Buddha. The Theravada observances were led by the Chief Priest of the New York Buddhist Vihara, Ven. Kurunegoda Piyatissa Thero.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon issuing a Message on this occasion, recalled the timelessness of the principles of compassion, understanding and peace preached by Gautama the Buddha more than 2500 years ago. Highlighting that events of recent years have created a growing gulf between communities and nations, leading to a rise in intolerance and cross-cultural tensions. He urged that both Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike resolve to deal with fellow human beings graciously and objectively, without hatred or ill will.

Speaking at the occasion, Ambassador Prasad Kariyawasam, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka quoted from President Rajapaksa's Message on the Day of Vesak that true development should be both material and spiritual.

The Ambassador paid special tribute to the memory of Late Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka, Lakshman Kadirgamar, who initiated the move to declare Vesak as a Day of International Recognition at the UN.

Ambassador Kariyawasam also drew attention to the growing concern about the misuse of religious images including images of the Buddha for commercial purposes. Although it is important to guarantee freedom of expression, he stated that in the current context of globalization which has lead to a proliferation and mingling of symbols from many different cultures, it is important that we observe the moral obligation of ensuring the preservation of and respect for all cultures and religions. Although history is replete with instances of religion being misused to divide people, he stated that religion should be understood as a collection of ethical and moral values that contribute to the building of a more mutually supportive world.

Ambassadors and delegates from many UN Member States, a large number of Buddhists and other well wishers both from the UN and the communities in New York participated at this event.