Media Release
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in the Netherlands celebrated the sacred festival of Vesak on 17th May 2025 at the Embassy premises in The Hague, with the participation of the Sri Lankan community in the Netherlands and Dutch friends. The Ambassador of Thailand to the Netherlands, Asi Mamanee and his spouse graced the occasion as special guests and participated in the religious observances and cultural programme.
Religious observances were conducted by Venerable Bodhisiri Thero from the Mahamevnawa Sri Lanka Buddhist Monastery in the Netherlands. The proceedings commenced with a Gilianpasa Pooja (offering Ashtapana) followed by a Dhamma sermon that emphasized the significance of Vesak and Buddhist teachings.
The Vesak programme also included “Bakthi Gee” performed by members of the Sri Lankan community together with the Embassy staff adding spiritual and cultural vibrancy to the celebration.
In addressing the gathering, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Netherlands, Rekha Gunasekera, highlighted the importance of Vesak and the teachings of Lord Buddha that are timeless. She stated that as one of the oldest philosophies in the world, Buddhism continues to advocate the values of tolerance, understanding and mutual respect that transcends all boundaries, encompassing people and cultures across the world and that its applicability in the search for constructive solutions to contemporary global challenges is particularly resonant today.
The Embassy premises were decorated with Buddhist flags, colourful Vesak lanterns and a Pandol by the Embassy staff to recreate the festive atmosphere of Vesak experienced in Sri Lanka, which was enjoyed and appreciated by all the participants.
The Embassy extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Mahamevnawa Sri Lankan Buddhist Monastery in the Netherlands, the Royal Thai Embassy in The Hague, all members of the Bakthi Gee programme, and all participants who helped make Vesak 2025 celebration in The Hague meaningful and memorable.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
The Hague
22 May 2025
