The Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka co-hosts the celebration of 27th Anniversary of the recognition of the International Vesak Day in the UN Headquarters
Celebrating the 27th anniversary of the General Assembly resolution 54/115 which recognized International Day of Vesak, the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka co-hosted an event with the Permanent Mission of Thailand at the ECOSOC Chamber of the United Nations Headquarters on Tuesday 12 May 2026.
Welcoming the audience to the event, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka, Jayantha Jayasuriya, highlighted timeless values of wisdom, tolerance and peace in teachings of the Buddha in the today’s world.
The High-Level segment of the event included special messages issued by the dignitaries including the Secretary General and the President of the United Nations, the Foreign Ministers of Sri Lanka and Thailand and the Permanent Representatives of other Member States of the United Nations.
The message from the President of the General Assembly of the United Nations Annalena Baerbock was presented by the Chef de Cabinet Sofia Borges. The President remarked on the relevance of the Buddha’s teachings during this time of turmoil and emphasized the importance of Vesak as an opportunity to reflect on those teachings.
The Secretary General of the United Nations António Guterres through his video message stated that Vesak this year comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions and the end for conflicts can be found in Lord Buddha’s teachings of non-violence.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka Vijitha Herath in his video message highlighted the importance of the Buddha’s teachings in overcoming divisions and the purest form of happiness that could be attained through the path of Lord Buddha.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand Sihasak Phuangketkeow by his video messages articulated the role of compassion, mindfulness and balance in relating to one another for shaping the system for betterment and its resonance in the UN Charter.
Religious blessings and sermons representing Buddhist traditions of Sri Lanka and Thailand respectively were conducted by Buddhist monks after the remarks.
Following the blessings, delivering a special address the Most Venerable Bhikkhu Paññākāra who led the recent Walk for Peace, delivered the keynote address. The Venerable Bhikku emphasized that true peace is not bestowed externally but is cultivated through loving kindness. He also stated that Buddha’s teachings remain profoundly relevant even today.
Delivering the closing remarks of the event, the Permanent Representative of Thailand Ambassador Cherdchai Chaivaivid highlighted that Lord Buddha’s teaching guides us to face the many challenges of today’s world.
Representing the Member States the dignitaries from the Myanmar, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Japan, Mongolia, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, Lao PDR, Republic of Korea, Philippines, Bhutan, Malaysia, Russian Federation, and Singapore delivered statements at the event highlighting the importance of International Day of Vesak.
