In a solemn and spiritually uplifting celebration of the International Day of Vesak 2026, the Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka together with the Embassy and Permanent Mission of Nepal in Bangkok jointly hosted a special commemorative event on 28 May 2026 at the iconic Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan (Wat Pho), one of Thailand’s most sacred and historically significant Buddhist temples.

The event brought together senior Buddhist clergy, Ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps, H.E. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Executive Director of UNESCAP and representatives of international organizations, members of the Sri Lankan, Nepalese, and Thai communities, as well as a large gathering of devotees and well-wishers to honour the Birth, Enlightenment, and Mahaparinibbana of Lord Buddha — the three fold Sacred Events observed by millions of Buddhists around the world.

Reflecting on the importance of the occasion, His Eminence Somdet Phra Maha Thirachan, Abbot of Wat Pho, expressed appreciation to the Embassies of Sri Lanka and Nepal for jointly organizing the International Vesak celebration and emphasized the importance of unity among Buddhists in studying, practicing, and spreading the teachings of the Buddha with harmony and compassion. His Eminence further noted that the Buddha’s teachings remain essential in promoting peace, morality, and reconciliation in today’s rapidly changing world.

In her welcome remarks, the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to Thailand, H.E. Wijayanthi Edirisinghe highlighted the enduring relevance of the Buddha’s teachings in today’s world and underscored the importance of promoting the timeless virtues of Metta (loving-kindness), Karuna (compassion), Muditha (sympathetic joy), and Upekkha (equanimity) in fostering peace, understanding, and harmony among nations and peoples. The Ambassador further emphasized the deep-rooted religious, cultural, and historical ties shared among Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Thailand through the common heritage of Theravada Buddhism.

The programme featured a series of religious and cultural activities including Buddha Vandana and Buddha Pooja conducted by Venerable Pahalawela Dhammakiththi Thero of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, followed by a Dhamma Sermon delivered by Venerable Phra Anil Sakya Thero, Assistant Abbot of Wat Bovoranives Vihara in Bangkok, focusing on the relevance of Buddhist teachings to peace-building, ethical living, and sustainability in the contemporary world.

The celebration also included “Healing Music for Peaceful Mind” presented by renowned Nepalese singing bowl healer and musician Mr. Aman Shahi, and a guided meditation session conducted by Venerable Ajahn Kevali Thero, Abbot of Wat Pah Nanachat (The International Forest Monastery), allowing participants to experience mindfulness, calmness, and spiritual reflection.

A particularly vibrant and heartfelt segment of the programme was the Bakthi Geetha recital performed by the staff of the Embassy of Sri Lanka together with members of the Sri Lankan community in Thailand. The devotional songs created a deeply spiritual and cultural atmosphere, resonating with the essence of Vesak and evoking feelings of devotion and unity among participants. The performances beautifully showcased Sri Lanka’s rich Buddhist cultural heritage and added a unique and memorable dimension to the celebration.

The event concluded with the lighting and display of Vesak lanterns and decorations prepared by the staff of the Embassy of Sri Lanka, followed by sharing light refreshments prepared in the spirit of the traditional Dansela, fostering goodwill, friendship, and fellowship among participants.

The joint observance of the International Day of Vesak 2026 at Wat Pho reflected the close friendship and enduring cultural and religious bonds shared among Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Thailand, while reaffirming the universal values of peace, compassion, mindfulness, and coexistence inspired by the teachings of Lord Buddha.

Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka

Bangkok

01 June 2026