Colombo, May 13: The Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka, Gopal Baglay, called on the new Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday and extended India’s cooperation with the new government.
In a tweet, the Indian High Commissioner said: “ Conveyed greetings and good wishes to the Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe. Discussed continued India-Sri Lanka cooperation for economic recovery and stability in Sri Lanka through democratic processes towards the wellbeing of all the people of Lanka.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had tweeted his congratulations to Wickremesinghe immediately after the latter was sworn in on Thursday.
The Japanese Ambassador also called on Wickremesinghe on Friday.
President asks Lankans to be resilient
In his Vesak message to the people of Sri Lanka on Friday, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa appealed to the people to be resilient and come out of the present dire situation through collective and resolute actions.
“Resilience is essential in difficult situations. At this juncture when the country is in dire straits, all the people’s representatives must work together immediately for a solution on behalf of all citizens. The true goal should be to reach the desired target without deviating from the primary goal,” the President said.
“We must be mindful of the current situation and unite around a program that can deliver a fair determination to all. That is the Buddhist policy.”
“On this noble day of Vesak, I urge you to use the concept of Licchavi for this purpose and to work together to alleviate the crisis:
Thancha Kamman Kathan Sadhu
Yam Kathva Nanuthappathi
Yassa Pathitho Sumano
Vipakam Patisevathi
The Dhamma states, “That deed is well done if one has not to repent for having done it, and if one is delightful and happy with the result of that deed.”
The Buddhists in Sri Lanka, together with fellow Buddhist brethren the world over, perform charitable activities including Amisa Pooja and Prathipaththi Pooja to celebrate the Vesak, the most important day in Buddhist Calendar.
The Dhamma preached by Gautama Buddha with great compassion for all human beings continued for over two thousand five hundred years. The Bodhisattva practiced toward enlightenment over a period of countless kalpas. It is complete with Amisa Pooja and Prathipaththi Pooja. Enriched with Dasa Parami (Ten Perfections) qualities in order to save human beings from the misery of life.
Those who sought refuge in The Buddha, recall the unbounded qualities of the Great Teacher with utmost devotion. Evidences about the virtue of Buddhist teachings, that had not being shaken by the Atalo Dahama, depict in Buddhist literature and throughout the character of the Buddha. It is not uncommon for us Buddhists to be shaped by the teachings of those who have worked hard and come up with the most appropriate solutions, the President said.
May the common goal of all be to build a resilient, consensus and religious society based on principles ! I wish you a Happy Vesak Poya Day!
END
