On the 14th of May 2022, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Viet Nam carried out the Vesak Day Blessing Ceremony of 2022, in collaboration with Bai Dinh Pagoda in the Ninh Binh Province of Viet Nam, Linea Aqua Viet Nam Co. Ltd, and Sri Lanka International Buddhist Academy (SIBA Campus) in Pallekele, Kundasale.
The event commenced with a traditional Pooja to the Lord Buddha, which was followed by blessings led by Most Ven. Thich Minh Quan, Chief Monk of Bai Dinh Pagoda, and other resident Monks of the Pagoda. A pre-recorded sermon conducted by Ven. Viharagala Pannaloka Thero, Lecturer of SIBA Campus, was also relayed to the congregation.
Addressing the worshippers, Most Ven. Thich Minh Quan expressed his profound gratitude to the Embassy for organizing the event at Bai Dinh Pagoda for the first time. Most Ven. Quan recognized the contributions of Sri Lanka to preserving and propagating Buddhism, of which he was also a beneficiary. He blessed Sri Lanka and its people and prayed for the good health and happiness of the peoples of Viet Nam and Sri Lanka.
Ambassador Prasanna Gamage acknowledged the dedicated support extended by Bai Dinh Pagoda in making the event a success. During his remarks, the Ambassador emphasized the importance of the teachings of the Lord Buddha to the modern world – in particular, the principle of impermanence and its relevance to human life.
On behalf of the Monks and the Management Committee, Most Ven. Thich Minh Quan and Mr. Nguyen Van Truong, the lay custodian of Bai Dinh Pagoda, donated a sum of USD 20,000/- as a contribution to the economic relief efforts in Sri Lanka.
A dansal was also organized on the Pagoda premises, which was a novel experience for the more than 300 Vietnamese Buddhist worshippers who gathered at the Pagoda. Mr. Sanjaya Lakpathirana, Director, Linea Aqua Viet Nam Co. Ltd., and the staff generously contributed to the dansal.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Ha Noi
Viet Nam
17 May 2022
