PM highlights Vesak as time for compassion, wisdom, and unity

Just as we illuminate the external world, this Vesak season should be used as an opportunity to illuminate compassion, kindness, and wisdom within our own hearts, says Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

The Prime Minister made these remarks in a message issued on the occasion of Vesak Day.

The Prime Minister’s Vesak message is as follows:

“I wish all Sri Lankans a meaningful Vesak festival, in which life is shaped according to the noble teachings of the Buddha, giving priority to practice (patipatti) over mere offerings (amisa).

Just as we brighten the external world, we must use this Vesak season as an opportunity to illuminate compassion, kindness, and wisdom within our own hearts. Let us make this a blessed period in which greed, hatred, and delusion are eliminated, and peace and tranquility are attained.

‘Abhiththaretha Kalyane’ – let us swiftly unite for the common good. This year’s state Vesak theme aptly reflects current social needs. This Vesak festival should be a blessing and a source of strength for us to move beyond narrow personal interests and dedicate ourselves to the common good, building a country that shines with the Dharma.

I wish for the complete success of the State Vesak Festival organized jointly by the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, under the guidance of the Most Venerable Mahanayaka Theros and the All Ceylon Shasanarakshaka Mandalaya.

Within the deep bond between the government and Buddhism, national development and prosperity can be achieved through righteous governance. Without discrimination based on caste, class, or religion, and based on the noble ideal of ‘May all beings be well and happy,’ it is essential that we cultivate patience in overcoming the economic and social challenges we face as a nation.

Rejecting extremism and following the middle path, I respectfully invite everyone to join in an environmentally friendly Vesak celebration that is harmonious with nature. Let us move forward together toward a principled society. May everyone have a blessed Vesak festival!”