Download Good Evening - Embassy of Sri Lanka in Rome

Good Evening,
The Most Venerable Dhambadeniye Dhammarama, Chief Incumbent of the Dharmasoka Vihara in
Rome
The Most Venerable Pussalamulla Soratha of the Rome Buddhist Vihara
The Most Venerable Ajahn Ottama of the Santacittarama Buddhist Monastery in Frasso Sabino,
Italy
Distinguished Representative of the Director General of FAO
H.E. Somsakdi Suriyawongse, Ambassador of the Royal Thai Embassy in Rome
H.E. Jonas Sponkie Malewa, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Lesotho
Excellencies,
Other distinguished guests of the Diplomatic Corp in Rome,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It gives me great pleasure, to welcome you, to the commemoration event to mark the historical
milestone of the 2600th anniversary of the enlightenment of the Buddha, jointly organized by the
Embassies of the Royal Thai Government,, and Sri Lanka, in coordination with the FAO.
I am pleased to see, a large number of invitees gathered here in this evening at our invitation.
"The Vesak full moon day” is the most sacred, and exalted day,, for the Buddhist public around the
globe. As part of the celebration of Vesak, the Buddhists commemorate the triple most important
events in the Buddhist calendar - the Birth, Enlightenment, and the Parinibbana of the Buddha.
This year it has an added significance,, marking the 2600th Anniversary of the Enlightenment of
the Buddha.
Sri Lanka,, where Buddhism is still preserved in its pristine purity, through two millennia and more,
observes this event with great fervour and devotion, as the 2600 Sambuddhatva Jayanthi. Hence,
H.E. the President of Sri Lanka, on 14th May declared the year commencing from the Full Moon
Day,, of Vesak 2011, to the Full Moon Day of Vesak 2012, as the “Sri Sambuddhatva Jayanthi Year
of Sri Lanka".
Sri Lanka, is particularly pleased, at the continuing success, of the United Nations Day of Vesak,
thanks to the important role played by key players, in co-hosting the UN Resolution, in 2000,
giving an international recognition to Vesak, as the most sacred day for Buddhists the world over.
As this significant event,, is celebrated throughout the world, it is appropriate, that the theme, for
this United Nations Day of Vesak,, is the Buddhist Virtues,, in Socio-Economic Development. The
many crises faced by the world today, in the diverse aspects of economics and finances, food
security, climate change,, and protection of the environment, the spread of terrorism, and the
growing search for peace, and democracy, underlines the importance of the core teachings of
Buddha that presents the Middle Path for genuine social progress.
I wish to echo, the essence of the Vesak message of His Excellency the President Mahinda
Rajapaksa, delivered to the nation,, urging all people, to focus on development, and assuring that
the country, will be governed according to the Dhamma.
Through 2,600 years, the teachings of the Buddha, have shown,, the correct path of livelihood to
mankind. The comfort, and consolation, provided to human beings remain immeasurable.
The teachings of the Buddha,, help us to bring to the world,, the means of resolving all disputes,
that arise from unbridled desire- In achieving a lasting,, and sustainable peace,, and
our
development goals, we have sought to follow the teachings of the Buddha, that showed the path,
to free us from the four evil dispositions of desire, hatred, fear and ignorance.
The core value of Buddhism, is the rational approach of Buddha,, in replacing faith and belief, with
reason and rationality, – Buddha in addressing the monks said. “Do not believe, in traditions
merely because they have been handed down for many generations, and in many places; do not
believe, in anything because it is rumoured, and spoken of by many; do not believe, because the
written statements of some old sage, is produced; do not believe, in what you have fancied,
thinking that, because it is extraordinary; it must have been implanted by a Deva or a wonderful
being. After observation, and analysis, when it agrees with reason, and is conducive to the good,
and benefit of one and all, then accept and live up to it”.
Thus, it behooves us, to give to the world,, the path to peace and consolation from these great
teachings of the Sammasambuddhatva or Great Enlightenment of the Buddha, 2600 years ago.
In conclusion, I thank the members of Venerable Sangha, who are present here after accepting
our invitation.
I also wish to place on record our sincere appreciation to the Director General of FAO, the Chief of
Protocol, and his team and other involved staff members, for all the assistance and cooperation
extended to us during the entire process.
I equally extend my sincere appreciation, to the Ambassador of Thailand and his team at the Royal
Thai Embassy in Rome, for their blessings and generous assistance given during the entire
process.
I also wish to thank, all my colleagues in the Diplomatic Corp, who have graced this occasion, with
their presence today.
Finally, I wish to commend my team of officials at the Embassy, for having organized a successful
event at the FAO to commemorate, the historical milestone of 2600th anniversary of the
enlightenment in Rome.
May the Noble Triple Gem bless you!