Commemorating the 25th Anniversary of UN Proclamation of the International Day of Vesak, Sri Lanka gifts an Art work of ‘Sri Dalada Perahera’ to UNESCAP for displaying at the United Nations Conference Centre (UNCC) in Bangkok

At the United Nations Conference Centre (UNCC),Bangkok, on the Visakha Pooja Day, 22nd May 2022 (22May Vesak 2567 BE), commemorating the 25th Anniversary of United Nations Proclamation of the International Day of Vesak, Ambassador of Sri Lanka and Permanent Representative to UNESCAP, C. A. Chaminda I. Colonne, handed over a magnificent traditional Art work of ‘Sri Dalada Perahera’ to the Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations & Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana to display at the UNCC in Bangkok.

Ambassador & Permanent Representative Chaminda Colonne recalled that the recognition of the International Day of Vesak at United Nations General Assembly by its resolution 54/115 of 1999, as a result of a motion spearheaded by late distinguish former Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar of Sri Lanka. Ambassador added that every important occasion of Life of Lord Buddha, the birth, enlightenment and passing away or Mahaprinibbhana of were taken place on Full Moon Day in the month of Vesak of Buddhist Calendar and Lord Buddha’s passing away or Maha Parinibbhana was taken place 2567 years ago and the year 2024 is 2567 of Buddhist Era, in the Buddhist Calendar.

Introducing the magnificent art work, Ambassador stated that the ‘Sri Dalada Perahera’ which is also known as the ‘Kandy Esala Perahera’, is a grand procession held annually (July-August) in the historic city of Kandy to pay homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic, the left canine tooth of Lord Buddha, with great fervor, featuring traditional drummers, dancers, elaborately adorned elephants, and religious ceremonies that attract thousands of visitors from around the world.

While highly admiring the gift of magnificent traditional Art work received ‘Sri Dalada Perahera’ showcasing Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage, the Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana expressed her sincere gratitude to the Government of Sri Lanka for gifting the magnificent artwork on a special day to the United Nations and was well as to the Buddhist World, to display in the UNCC premises. She added that the gift ‘Sri Dalada Perahera’ from Sri Lanka will be admired and attracted by the VVIPs, delegates, visiting the compound from all over the world, and working staff of the premises and also more than 3000 visitors visiting the UNCC annually. Video presentations were also made on the Kandy Esala Perahera, and Kandy UNESCO world heritage site.

Secretary of the Commission Lorenzo Santucci, Deputy Secretary of the Commission Caridad Canales Davila, Director of the Division of Administration Soomi Ro, and Chief of the Conference Management Unit Sunhye Park Jinamornphongs of the UNESCAP and First Secretary/Deputy Permanent Representative to UNESCAP, A.W.S Samanmali, and Counsellor/Deputy Permanent Representative to UNESCAP, Vireshika Bandara of the Mission also joined the ceremony held at the UNESCAP.

Embassy & Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka
Bangkok
30th May 2024