High Commission of Sri Lanka in India

  In keeping with the Vesak tradition in Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka High Commission in New Delhi arranged a series of events from 4th to 5th May 2015 to celebrate Vesak and also the 2559th Buddha Jayanthi  in New Delhi. 

On the Full Moon Poya day of 3rd May, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka Professor Sudharshan Seneviratne and Mrs. Seneviratne, as well as the staff of the Sri Lanka High Commission in New Delhi took part in an almsgiving at the Maha Bodhi Society of India, New Delhi Centre.  Ven. R. Sumiththananda Thero, Bhikku in Charge and other Buddhist monks as well as the devotees observing Sil & taking part in Buddha vandana participated at the almsgiving.  

The day of Vesak, the 5th May, was marked by several events that covered Dharma discussions involving Sri Lankans and Indians in New Delhi. The High Commissioner participated as the Chief Guest at an event organized by Young Men’s Buddhist Association in New Delhi to celebrate Vesak at the National Museum of India. This event concluded with a visit by the Buddhists from both countries to Kapilavastu relics preserved at the National Museum. Addressing this event, High Commissioner, Prof. Seneviratne, while remembering the victims of the earthquake in Nepal, said that the message of the Gauthama Buddha is most relevant today as the world is grappling with natural calamities and other challenges. 

An official Vesak celebration was also hosted by the International Buddhist Confederation of India with the support of the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs. 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the Chief Guest at the ‘International Buddha Poornima Diwas Celebrations’, which was held at Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi on the 4th May 2015. The Minister of State for Tourism and Culture, and for Civil Aviation, Dr. Mahesh Sharma and the Minister of State for Home Affairs and the Chairman of the Celebration Committee, Shri Kiren Rijiju were also present. Members of Parliament, Ambassadors of Buddhist countries, Eminent Scholars, Buddhist Monks and Nuns from India and various other countries were also present at this occasion. 

A discussion on “Bhuddha and His Message of Peace and Compassion” a Dhamma discussion was held at the Buddha Vihar of the Maha Bodhi Society of India, New Delhi Centre in the late evening of 4th May. Chief Guest of this occasion was Shri Kiren Rijiiu, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs. The event was presided by Shri Indreshi Kumar, Member, National Executive committee, RSS. Key note speakers of the event were His Excellency Prof. Sudharshan Seneviratne, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India, Dr. Lalith Mansingh, President Kalinga Lanka Foundation and Honorable Speaker of the event was Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok, Life Member, Mahabodhi Society of India. The event concluded with a recital of Bhakthi Gee by the staff of the High Commission. 

Traditional Vesak decorations including lanterns and flickering lamps adorned the premises of the Sri Lanka High Commission compound, creating a serene atmosphere.