LKI Celeberates Vesak

May 23, 2024    Reading Time: < 1 minute

Reading Time: < 1 min read

The hallowed day of Vesak was celebrated at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies (LKI) on 23 May 2024.

On this day, the LKI also honors the memory of the Late Hon. Lakshman Kadirgamar who spearheaded the initiative to designate Vesak as a United Nations Observance Day, and to acknowledge the contribution of Buddhism to human spirituality. The late Minister made this proposal at the 54th session of the UN General Assembly in 1999. His proposal to the UN was based on an earlier recommendation made at the World Buddhist Conference held in Colombo in 1998. Accordingly, in 1999, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted Resolution 54/115.  

In March 2024, on its 25th anniversary year, the Executive Board of UNESCO in Paris, at its 219th session, was to also adopt by acclamation a Decision to commemorate the International day of Vesak at UNESCO in alignment with the  Organization’s core mandate of promoting global peace, intercultural dialogue and the preservation of cultural heritage. 

On this solemn day, the Executive Director and staff of LKI extend wishes for a joyous and peaceful Vesak Day.