The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Berlin celebrated ‘Vesak’ on Friday 4th May 2018 at the City Hall in Steglitz with the participation of Sri Lankan and German nationals. The program was conducted in German language with the intention of reaching out to the German Buddhist Community. The Vesak commemorative sermon was delivered by Ven. Dr. Wijayarajapura Seelawansa Thero, the Chief Patron of the Austrian Buddhist (Theravada) Association in Salzburg. The dhamma topics discussed at the session provided a deep insight into the teachings of the Lord Buddha. and the participants were encouraged to follow and reflect more deeply on the Buddhist way of life.
The celebrations commenced with a ‘Gilanpasa Buddha Pooja’ and chanting of Seth Pirith by Ven. Mahagama Suvineetha Thero of the Buddhist Temple in Frohnau and other resident Venerable Theros of the Buddhist Temples in Berlin. A meditation session for the participants was conducted by Ven. Rambukwelle Devananda Thero of Berlin Sri Sambodhi Temple. An introductory sermon to the program was conducted by Ven. Santuttho Thero of Germany.
Speaking at the occasion, Ambassador Eng. Karunasena Hettiarachchi highlighted the importance of the Vesak day and the teachings of the Buddha, which convey a timeless message for every individual to live happily and peacefully. At the end of the program the participants were invited to enjoy a Sri Lankan vegetarian meal prepared by the Embassy staff.
In order to commemorate this significant event, the Embassy premises were also decorated with Buddhist flags and colorful Vesak lanterns for a period of one week, creating the Vesak ambiance in Berlin. During his visit to Berlin, Ven. Dr. Wijayarajapura Seelawansa Thero delivered a sermon at the Embassy premises for the benefit of the staff members and their families.
The Ambassador and the staff of the Embassy also collaborated at the special Vesak Day program on 06th May 2018 at the Buddhist Temple in Berlin-Frohnau with the participation of a large gathering of Sri Lankans and Germans. The event included a Vesak Dansala and Bakthi Geetha.
