May 11, 2025 Reading Time: 2 minutes
Reading Time: 2 min read
The Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies (LKI) joins all Buddhists in Sri Lanka and across the world in celebrating the hallowed day of Vesak which falls on 12 May 2024.
On this day, the LKI also honours 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.
Earlier this month, on 6 May 2025, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake delivering the keynote address at the 20th United Nations Day of Vesak Celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, held under the theme Solidarity and Tolerance for Human Dignity: Buddhist Wisdom for World Peace and Sustainable Development, highlighted the enduring relevance of Buddhist philosophy in fostering global peace and reconciliation. The President recalled that “In 1999, a proposal was submitted at the United Nations General Assembly to officially recognise Vesak Day as an international observance. This proposal was presented by the late Lakshman Kadirgamar, the former Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka. By the year 2000, the United Nations officially declared Vesak Day an internationally recognised observance. Today, we gratefully remember both the Buddhist and non-Buddhist communities who supported this noble initiative”.
Last 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.
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A think tank engaging in independent research of Sri Lanka’s international relations and strategic interests, to provide insights and recommendations that advance justice, peace, prosperity, and sustainability.
