President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his Vesak message, underscored the enduring relevance of Buddhist teachings in fostering peace, coexistence and reconciliation, while calling on the public to embrace the values of non-violence, compassion and loving-kindness in their daily lives.

Marking Vesak, the most sacred festival for Buddhists worldwide commemorating the birth, enlightenment and passing away of Lord Buddha, the President said Buddhism offers a timeless and practical message of peace founded upon the Four Sublime Virtues of loving-kindness, compassion, empathetic joy and equanimity.

He stressed that lasting peace in the external world can only be achieved through the cultivation of inner spiritual peace, noting that the Buddhist approach to guiding society towards collective noble objectives is more relevant today than ever.

The President also highlighted that peace, coexistence and reconciliation are among the supreme teachings not only of the Buddha but of all enlightened teachers.

Referring to the recent pilgrimage of Vietnamese monk Venerable Pannakara Thero across Sri Lanka, President Dissanayake said the journey reflected the same message of inner peace and harmony.

He further noted that Vesak is not merely a religious observance but also a significant cultural festival that has, for centuries, reflected Sri Lanka’s identity, unity and artistic creativity.

The President said religious activities associated with Vesak, including almsgiving, observing sil, meditation and Dhamma sermons, as well as community initiatives such as dansals, devotional songs, lantern displays and pandals, contribute greatly to fostering mutual understanding, reconciliation and coexistence among communities.

Inviting all people to further embrace Buddhist values rooted in compassion and boundless loving-kindness towards all living beings, the President extended his Vesak greetings, wishing that all hearts may find peace, comfort and serenity through the teachings of the Dhamma.