Further embrace the values of Buddhism founded upon non-violence, compassion and boundless loving-kindness towards all living beings – President

He stated that Vesak is a significant festival that marks three key events in the life of Lord Buddha: his birth, his enlightenment, and his passing into Nirvana. This celebration is deeply sacred for Buddhists worldwide. The people of Sri Lanka, who are proud of their rich Buddhist culture, join others around the globe in honoring this special occasion. Buddhism offers a profound teaching that shares a timeless message of peace with the world. The teachings of Gautama Buddha are based on the Four Sublime Virtues: loving-kindness, compassion, empathetic joy, and equanimity. Additionally, the core messages of peace, coexistence, and reconciliation are central not only to Buddhism but also to all enlightened teachers. Buddhism emphasizes that to create peace in the world, individuals must first achieve inner peace. This inward focus, which Buddhism promotes to guide society towards noble goals, is especially important today. The President noted that this message was recently echoed by the Vietnamese monk Venerable Pannakara Thero, who walked across the country on a pilgrimage. Vesak is not only a religious event but also a vibrant cultural festival that has represented Sri Lankan identity, unity, and creativity for thousands of years. The various activities held during Vesak, such as almsgiving, observing sil, meditation, and Dhamma sermons, along with offerings like dansals, devotional songs, beautifully made lanterns, and grand pandals, greatly enhance mutual understanding, reconciliation, and coexistence among communities. Encouraging everyone to embrace the values of Buddhism—non-violence, compassion, and boundless loving-kindness towards all living beings—he wished for a blessed Vesak festival where all may find peace, comfort, and tranquility through the grace of the Dhamma. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, in her Vesak day message, called on all Sri Lankans to eliminate greed, hatred, and delusion, and to transform their lives into a noble time that brings peace and tranquility. She expressed her honor in sending Vesak greetings to the nation during this sacred period, when lives align with the noble teachings of Lord Buddha and the practice of Dhamma. She emphasized that just as the world is brightened by lanterns, this Vesak season should inspire us to fill our hearts with compassion, kindness, and wisdom. She urged everyone to dispel the roots of negativity and create a noble period of peace and serenity.