Sunday Times 2
Vesak at the United Nations in Vienna
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The International Day of Vesak was observed at the United Nations Office in Vienna at a ceremony co-hosted by the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka and the Permanent Mission of Thailand to the United Nations and International Organizations in Vienna on 12 May 2025.
The ceremony commenced with welcome remarks by the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka M.R.K. Lenagala. The message of the Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres for the Day of Vesak was read by the Chief of the Public Affairs and Policy Support Branch of the UNODC Fedor Klimchuk, representing the Director General of the UN Office in Vienna. This is followed by remarks from the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Thailand, Pattarat Hongtong.
During his remarks, Ambassador Lenagala made reference to the 1999 UN General Assembly Resolution on International Recognition of the Day of Vesak, which forms the basis for observance of Vesak at the UN worldwide. The Ambassador expressed Sri Lanka’s appreciation to the co- sponsors of the Resolution and noted that the 2025 event marks the 25th Observation of the Day of Vesak at the UN.
A religious observance and talk on mindfulness, followed by a practical meditation session was conducted by the Chief Incumbent of the Nyanaponika Dhamma Centre in Vienna Venerable Vijayarajapura Seelawansa Thero. Venerable Thimbiriwewa Seelasara Thero and Venerable Pelenwatte Dhammarakkhita Thero were also present at the event.
As a tribute to the co-sponsors and in appreciation of the United Nations Office in Vienna for facilitating the annual observance of the Day of Vesak, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka presents a framed copy of UN General Assembly Resolution 54/115 to UNOV Representative Fedor Klimchuk.
The event concluded with a buffet lunch co-organized by the Sri Lanka and Thailand Missions for attendees, including the Ambassadors and UN officials based in Vienna.