Foreign Relations Minister Dinesh Gunawardena addressing a virtual conference at the Vesk commemoration by the UN paid tribute to the late Lakshman Kadirgamar for his role in giving international recognition to the Vesak festival.
“Sri Lanka took this initiative in 1999 at the 54th session of the UN General Assembly and proposed to the General Assembly to honour the Buddha by declaring Vesak to be observed as a special day by the UN,” he said.
“It is heartening to see that the Day of Vesak being celebrated at the United Nations Headquarters and its offices around the world annually, since the UN resolution was adopted in 2000. Even this year, the tradition remains unbroken through this virtual celebration, with the same veneration and mindfulness. On behalf of the Sri Lankan government, I convey my deep gratitude to the delegations of the Member States who made the observance of the Day of Vesak at the United Nations a reality,” Minister Gunewardena said.
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