Venerable Maha Sanga,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

On this day of great religious significance, I have come here with much reverence and humility to join you in the religious programme organized to celebrate Vesak. I thank Ven. Dhammasiri Thero and the organizers for inviting me to participate in this meritorious act of religious observance.

This is the glorious month of Vesak in the Buddhist Calendar. The Buddhist Calendar begins with the month of Vesak. On Vesak Day, Buddhists world over commemorate the triple anniversary of Sakyamuni Siddartha Gautama-the Buddha. Triple anniversary because, The Buddha was born, attained Supreme Enlightenment at the age of thirty five, and after a successful ministry of forty five years, attained Parinirvana or passed away on a Vesak (May) full moon Poya Day. It was also on a Vesak full moon Poya Day, in the eighth year of his enlightenment, that The Buddha made his third and final visit to Sri Lanka.

During this day, let us with honest and undivided devotion glorify the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha and at the same time endeavor to elevate spiritually and quality of life both at the level of individual and society.

Buddha did not introduce himself as a God, or a messenger of God or prophet. He was born as a human being in a place called Lumbini Park, just within Nepal near the Indian border. He became the Buddha- the Enlightened one- under a tree, unguided or unaided by any supernatural powers, at the age of 35 and passed away at the age of 80 between two 'Sal' trees in a park in Kusinara.

Buddhism is a way of life built upon realism and understanding and not belief. Buddhism is a religion of peace and loving kindness. Buddha taught us "Hatred does not cease by hatred. But by Love", which is very relevant to the whole world today. The timeless truth embodied in the Teachings of Lord Buddha is cosmic. They apply to the whole world for all times. It's principle of moderation is called the "Middle Path".

Solutions, which Buddha had offered for various problems transcend all boundaries. Lord Buddha is the founder of a religion, who emphasized that something should only be accepted after contemplation and critical examination according to one's intellectual capacity.

Buddhism has become a way of life for a majority of the people of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is also the center of Theravada Buddhism. On the request of Sri Lanka the UN has declared Vesak day as a holiday.

While we celebrate Vesak today, the Americans celebrate Mother's Day, showing love and gratitude to mothers. Buddhism advocates respect, love and gratitude to parents in particular to mothers.

As I stand here today on this occasion of Veask celebration, I am reminded of an American who came to Sri Lanka to become a giant among men in Buddhist circles, yet another remarkable man - Colonel Henry Steel Olcott. Col. Olcott is remembered with love and gratitude by Sri Lankan Buddhist, since he reawakened the nation and inspired them to struggle for their legitimate rights, which had been denied under the British colonial rule. By petitioning the British authority in London he regained Vesak as a legal holiday. He also founded schools and laid foundation for a national system of education in Sri Lanka. He provided Buddhism with a unifying symbol, by designing the Buddhist Flag, which even today flown during Buddhist festival such as Vesak.

Vesak in Sri Lanka is a festival of togetherness. It is a festival of rejoicing in the birth and enlightenment of the Lord Buddha, as well as a time for reflection on his death. In Sri Lanka this day parents and children with all members of their families flock together to temple with their offering and participate in religious observances. Vesak is also the festival of light. In Sri Lanka on Vesak day, all the houses and buildings are illuminated with lights and Vesak lanterns. Temples are filled with devotes, clad in white, who have observed the eight precepts of Buddhism. I am glad to observe that many people here too have observed the eight precepts today.

This year the government of Sri Lanka has made special arrangements to celebrate Veask festival on a grand scale and invited the Thai Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra to be the Chief Guest. The festival will be given a more religious look to promote the tradional values of the Buddha Dhamma locally and internationally.

Before I conclude, I must say a few words about the yeoman service rendered by the Washington Buddhist Vihara and Rev. Dhammasiri Thero in propagating Buddhism in the Washington area. His recent interview titled "Compassion and Loving Kindness - A Conversation about Buddhism" in the Magazine Cathedral Age is a testimony to his enduring work to reach out to other religions. Ven. Dhammasiri thero and other resident monks in the Washington DC Buddhist Vihara have involved in the good path of teaching Buddhism and rendering social service according the Buddha's admonition "Charatha Bhikkave Charika Bahujana Hithaya Bahujana Sukkaya"

I hope for the great joy of many, the Washington Buddhist Vihara Society will be further strengthened by the strength of Dhamma. I would like to assure you that I will render whatever assistance the Embassy can extend to help the Buddhist Vihara to continue its good work.

I wish all the success for the efforts of the Washington Buddhist Vihara and Rev. Dhammasiri to propagate Buddhism in the US which will result in a greater awareness about the message of Buddha and moral upliftment among people.

May the Blessing of "Triple Gem always be with you"