Sri Lankan Community in Riyadh celebrated “Vesak” on 16th May 2025 at Charlets Bashayer Resort in Riyadh. A large number of Sri Lankan expatriates in Riyadh representing all the communities participated at this most prominent Buddhist festival in Sri Lanka, jointly organized by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Riyadh and the Sri Lanka Community Club.
Ceremonially inaugurating the event, Sri Lanka Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ameer Ajwad pointed out that the United Nations declared Vesak as an international day in 1999 recognizing the significant contributions of Lord Buddha’s teachings of compassion, tolerance and selfless service. The UNESCO adopted a decision in 2024 to commemorate the International Day of Vesak at UNESCO in alignment with its mandate of promoting global peace and inter-cultural dialogue. Ambassador also highlighted three core values preached by Lord Buddha for the human character building namely, Sīla – developing ethical conduct by purifying one’s speech and action; Samādhi – cultivating one’s mental discipline and Paññā – uprooting ignorance and gaining wisdom.
Notable feature of this year Vesak in Riyadh was the special “Vesak Dharma Deshana” which was delivered by the Senior Lecturer of the University of Kelaniya, Tharindu Dananjaya Weerasinghe.
Special Vesak Bakthi Gee as well as a drama were performed by the children of Sri Lankan International School in Riyadh and the members of Sri Lankan expatriate community highlighting the significance of Vesak. While colourful Vesak lanterns and pandals were illuminated creating the Vesak festive atmosphere, traditional “Dansal” foods were served to the visitors.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Riyadh
29.06.2025
