President Participates in Multiple Vesak Celebrations in Colombo

Published on: May 24, 2024 President Participates in Multiple Vesak Celebrations in Colombo President Ranil Wickremesinghe participated in various Vesak programs held in Colombo yesterday (23) as the nation celebrated Vesak.

The ‘Buddha Rashmi’ Vesak Zone, organized by the Hunupitiya Gangarama Temple, was inaugurated under the patronage of President Wickremesinghe, yesterday.

The President arrived at the Gangarama Temple, where he offered flowers to the Buddha statue and participated in religious rituals. Ven. Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thero, the Viharadhikari of the Gangaramaya Maha Viharaya, conducted the religious ceremonies and bestowed blessings upon the President.

Subsequently, the President inaugurated the “Buddha Rashmi Vesak Zone” by illuminating the electric lights.

Numerous guests from both domestic and international spheres, including diplomats, Foreign Ambassadors and High Commissioners, graced the occasion, engaging in cordial conversation with the President.

As part of the Buddha Rashmi National Vesak Festival, various events such as the Vesak pandals, Vesak lantern exhibitions, Bodu Bathi Gee, Vesak Dhansala, ‘Thovil and Devolmadu Shantikarma’, Flower procession, and mindfulness programs which was jointly organised by the Gangarama Temple, along with the Presidential Secretariat, Prime Minister’s Office, and the Maha Karuna Buddhist Association of Singapore. The Vesak zone will be held at Shangri-La Green, Galle Face and Presidential Secretariat Premises from May 23 to May 26. The festivities include cultural performances, folk songs and captivating lighting decorations.

To inaugurate the Vesak program, the Secretary to the President Mr. Saman Ekanayake, lit the ceremonial lamp, followed by a vibrant devotional Bathi Gee recital at the Presidential Secretariat.

Concurrently, President Ranil Wickremesinghe opened the ‘Maha Bath Dansala’ at the Shangri-La Green Grounds.

Additionally, yesterday afternoon (23), President Ranil Wickremesinghe participated in the opening of the inaugural Vesak Zone organized by the Peliyagoda Municipal Council and Community Development Foundation and the local trading community.

This Vesak festival, spanning from May 23rd to 25th, will feature a variety of events including a Vesak lantern competition, devotional Bathi Gee recitals, drama and rice dansals.

President Wickremesinghe, inaugurated the Vesak Zone by lighting the lamps, interacted warmly with attendees at the event.

State Ministers Prasanna Ranaweera, Sisira Jayakodi, and several others graced the occasion with their presence.

Meanwhile, President Ranil Wickremesinghe also inaugurated the Vesak Zone and the magnificent Vesak pandal organized by the Maradana-Suduwella United Buddhist Association in celebration of the Vesak Festival, yesterday.

Following the vision of former Municipal Council Member Mr. Kitsiri Rajapaksa and under the guidance of Ven. Yatihena Saddhaloka Thera the Chief Incumbent of Sri Dharmaloka Daya Maha Viharaya, this Vesak extravaganza showcases the grand Vesak pandal depicting ‘Manikara Kulupagatissa Jathakaya’. It will be on display at Maradana Junction until May 27th.

President’s Senior Advisor on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff, Sagala Ratnayaka, Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake, Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva, Army Commander Vikum Liyanage, along with a delegation of political representatives and government officials, accompanied the President during these ceremonies.