The Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in collaboration with the Permanent Mission of Thailand celebrated the International Day of Vesak at the Palais des Nations, Geneva on 30 April 2026, for the fourth consecutive time.
The Director General of the United Nations Office in Geneva, Tatiana Valovaya graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The International Buddhists Foundation in Geneva and the Union of Thai Sanghas in Europe assisted the two Permanent Missions in organizing the event.
Delivering welcome remarks, the Ambassador and Permanent Representatives of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva, Sumith Dassanayake, underscored the significant contribution made by Sri Lanka under the leadership of the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lakshman Kadirgamar in gaining international recognition for the Day of Vesak in 1999. Ambassador Dassanayake, further added that, as a result, resolution titled ‘International recognition of the Day of Vesak at United Nations Headquarters and other United Nations offices’ was unanimously adopted at the United Nations General Assembly and accordingly, the universal message of Lord Buddha was brought to the international arena.
The Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka recalled that the teachings of Gautama Buddha continue to guide humanity towards harmony, reconciliation, and the building of a peaceful world. He invited the participants to share with their contacts about Sri Lanka’s rich Buddhists heritage and living historical monuments such as Sacred Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura and Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy etc.
The Co-host of the event, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Thailand, Usana Berananda, and the Chief Guest, Director General of the United Nations in Geneva, Tatiana Valovaya, also delivered remarks on the occasion highlighting the importance of the Day of Vesak and teaching of the Buddha in contemporary world in peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
Delivering the keynote address under the theme “Vesak: A Celebration of Awakening and Shared Humanity”, Senior Monk of the International Buddhist Foundation, Geneva, and Meditation Practitioner Venerable Halyale Wimalarathana Thero highlighted that the Vesak is not only a time for celebration, but also a time for reflection. Venerable Thero invited everybody to cultivate the Buddhist teachings; loving-kindness and mindfulness in daily lives with smaller steps and contribute to peace in the families, communities, and ultimately in the whole world. Explaining the path of mindfulness, compassion, and wisdom, the Thero stated that mindfulness allows to live in the present, to see the world clearly without distortion.
Special messages on Vesak were delivered by the Ambassadors of Bhutan, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Mongolia, Nepal, Singapore and representatives from India, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar and Nigeria on the occasion.
The religious programme of the event was commenced with offering flowers to the Buddha by Venerable Phra Rajvajirasasanavidet, President, Union of Thai Sanghas in Europe and Venerable Dr. Thawalama Dhammika, Chief Sangha Nayaka Thero of Switzerland for Malwatta Chapter, followed by short reflections on Dhamma by venerable members of Maha Sangha.
The religious programme ended with guided meditation followed by chanting of Karaniya Metta Sutta which brought inner peace for the attendees.
Nearly 300 participants including the Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives of Bangladesh, Denmark, Lithuania, Iran, Maldives, the Netherlands, Panama, the Philippines, Vietnam, Head of the European Union Delegation in Geneva and representatives from Azerbaijan, Belarus, Canada, China, France, Georgia, Holy See, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Oman, Slovenia, Spain, the State of Palestine, UK, Venezuela and many others joined the celebrations. Sri Lankan and Thai Buddhist communities living in Switzerland also participated at this event.
The event concluded with Sri Lankan and Thai refreshments.
Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva
05 May 2026