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| Saturday, 25 May 2002 |
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John Amaratunga, Minister of Interior stated in his message for Vesak, the advent of Vesak is a joyous occasion for all Sri Lankans. It is on a Vesak Full Moon day that the Buddha was born, attained enlightenment and passed away. This thrice blessed occasion which is commemorated by all Buddhists with great devotion and fervour is also a happy event shared by followers of other religions. The message further stated: "It is now traditional for people of Sri Lanka irrespective of the race, religion or nationality to commemorate the event together with their Buddhist brethren in a spirit of brotherhood by erecting pandals, illuminating lanterns, holding dansalas to give free meals and refreshments, singing Bhakti Geeta and engaging in other meritorious acts. This is due to the fact that the noble concepts embodied in the Dhamma, preached by the Enlightened One, appeal to all mankind enabling one to control and discipline one's mind. The human kindness He exuded helped to bring light to a society engulfed in darkness. As history tells us the virtues of loving kindness, compassion, humility and the concern for others He displayed through example led not only in solving conflicts in personal lives and the society but also among nations. 'There is no gainsaying the fact that Buddha Dhamma shows us the way to peace through resolution of social and ethnic conflicts. The day is not far off when peace could be achieved if all sections of the people adhere to the tenets of the Buddha Dhamma. At a time when a peace process has been set in motion to solve the country's burning problem it is apt to contemplate and act on this Vesak Poya Day on the noble concepts propounded by the Buddha in showing compassion and kindness towards those who do wrong, banishing anger and hatred'. |
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