Vesak messages

We must help establish virtuous society - PM

At a time when Buddhists the world over are commemorating Vesak recalling the unlimited virtues of the Buddha who disclosed the path to Nibbana through love and compassion towards all beings, I call upon all sections of society to contribute towards establishing a virtuous society by shaping their lives according to the essence of Buddhism, said Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka in a message to mark Vesak.

The message : “We have inherited a human society and a proud culture nurtured by Buddhism.

Buddhism has clearly taught the dhamma path which enabled man to lead a dignified life respecting others devoid of hatred and enmity and the social decline caused through man’s misconduct.

At a time when the government is taking all necessary steps to create a peaceful Sri Lanka discarding all petty offences, it is the responsibility of all to lend the necessary support and assistance towards the establishment of a virtuous society.

As a section of society displaced and undergoing untold suffering due to terrorism in the North is in dire need of support at this moment an opportunity to participate in the meritorious deed of assisting these people in need has dawned during the Vesak week.

I wish all Sri Lankans a happy Vesak.”

Religious Affairs Minister Pandu Bandaranayaka

Vesak this year has a special significance as the dawn of peace is evident in Sri Lanka, states Religious Affairs Minister Pandu Bandaranayaka in a message to mark Vesak issued yesterday.

The message said the Buddhists world over will celebrate Vesak on a grand scale reminiscing the Birth, Enlightenment and the Parinibbana of the Buddha who lit up the world with love, compassion and knowledge.

It is the fervent hope of all to transform Sri Lanka, thrice blessed by the Buddha’s visits and safeguards His tooth and hair relics, into a peaceful nation.

The manner in which the majority of Sinhala Buddhists have rallied round to perform ‘Dana Paramitha’ by catering to the needs of their brethren in the North who are fleeing terrorist clutches, when security forces are trying to bring peace is most praiseworthy. I call upon all Buddhists to refresh their minds with noble thoughts, shape their lives according to the Dhamma. May the blessings of the noble Triple Gem be with all!

Cultural Affairs Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardene

The Dhamma message regarding the simple lifestyle extolled by the Buddha is most appropriate for today’s highly commercialised society which is running rough shod over moral and spiritual values in its haste to seek materialistic gain, states Cultural Affairs and National Heritage Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardene in a special message to mark the Vesak Poya.

The message said:

The Buddha was the greatest teacher who preached the Dhamma in the proper perspective based on a realistic philosophy. When He had the opportunity to be born into Royalty He shunned all luxuries and practically proved His environment-friendly life of simplicity by having His birth under a Sal tree, Enlightenment under an Esatu (Bo) tree and passing away under a Sal tree.

The Dhamma message regarding the simple lifestyle extolled by Him is most appropriate for today’s highly commercialised society which is running rough shod over moral and spiritual values in its haste to seek materialistic gain.

It is to seek mental solace that the whole world is today inclined to embrace a simple lifestyle without seeking luxuries and fanfare.

During this Vesak season when a cultural environment highlighting the concept of social equality shown in Buddhism is being built up, it is important to engage in Prathipaththi Amisa pooja to enhance Sri Lankan Buddhist identity.

I wish all who are engaging in national and religious activities marking the Birth, Enlightenment and Parinibbana of the Buddha a happy Vesak.

NFF Leader Wimal Weerawansa, MP,

Buddhists all over the world celebrate the Vesak festival with religious observances. Those celebrations have its origins in Sri Lanka from the days of King Dutugemunu.

This time in Sri Lanka those celebrations are held in special environment with the impending elimination of LTTE terrorism. Our Tamil brothers and sisters in large numbers have come back to Government held areas from the clutches of tiger terrorism.

At this juncture, it is our bounden duty to look after them and ensure their re-settlement in their own areas.

Let us make a resolution today to fulfill this responsibility of ours in the true spirit of Buddhism.

This will no doubt rebuilt the rift created by Prabakaran between South and North of Sri Lanka.

State Vesak festival in Baddegama

Bandula GUNASEKERA and T.K. Ariyadasa, Malimbada group corr.

State Vesak Celebrations in the Southern Province will be held in Baddegama, Galle under the patronage of Southern Province Chief Minister Shan Wijayalal de Silva.

Baddegama town has been declared a Vesak Zone to mark this special occasion with colourful decorations. The Vesak Bakthigee ceremony with the participation of schoolchildren will be held on May 09 at 7.00 p.m. near the bus stand, Baddegama.

Several Provincial Ministers are also scheduled to participate at this State Wesak festival organised by the Traders Association, Baddegama.

Vesak in Kandy

Samanthi WEERASEKERA

Elobrate arrangements have been made to hold series of Vesak celebrations and pinkama ceremonies in an around Kandy city during this weekend.

The Rifle Regiment of Sri Lanka Army has organised to conduct a soft drinks ‘dansala’ opposite Sri Dalada Maligawa from 8.30 a.m. There will also be a Vesak lantern contest at the District Secretariat Office, Kandy organised by all AGA offices and government institutions in Kandy district.

Vesak Bakthigee ceremony organised under the patronage of Central Province Governor Tikiri Kobbekaduwa will be held on May 09 at 7 p.m. near George E.D. Silva Shopping Complex.

The Bath Dansala organised by Sarath Ekanayake Community Development Foundation will be held on all the two poya days near Sri Dalada Maligawa, Kandy.