In a Message to mark Vesak Poya and
the 2550th Buddha Jayanthi, President Mahinda Rajapakse said the
teaching of the Enlightened One was of unrivalled importance,
particularly in the present era, since it exhorts the mankind
that all those who wage war are destined to downfall.The
President said: "It is with a profound sense of devotion that I
send this message, on the occasion of the 2550th Buddha Jayanthi.
Vesak Full Moon Day is the most precious day for Buddhist
world over, since it marks the birth, Enlightenment and the
Passing Away of the Lord Buddha.
The transcendental teaching of the Buddha, up holds that the
mind is the precursor of all deeds and even peace as well as war
evolves in the mind. Therefore, peace and solidarity too
originates in the mind of mankind.
Today the entire world appears to be at loggerheads and at
the brink of war. As such the teaching of the Enlightened One is
of unrivalled importance, particularly in the present era since
it exhorts the mankind that all those who wage war are destined
to downfall and ultimate destruction. It also teaches us the
futility of hatred and atrocities.
If the sublime doctrine of the Buddha is understood and
followed the present day world could be converted to one of a
peaceful and tranquil place where loving kindness reign. What is
most needed today is to follow the five precepts, taught by the
Buddha practically in our day to day life.
The objective of celebrating the 2550th Buddha Jayanthi shall
be to observe the five precepts and abstain from all undesirable
deeds so that we may march towards a conflict-free world.
As a first step towards such a destination my government has
censored the consumption liquor and meat during this most
precious period of Vesak.
So let all of us determine, on this most sublime day to
deviate form sinful deeds and practice the five precepts.
May the blessings of the Triple Gem, be on all of us."
