Speaking at the United Nations Day of Vesak celebration, the Anunayake Thera (Deputy Chief Prelate) of the Malwathu Chapter, Venerable Niyangoda Vijithasiri Thera, made a heartfelt appeal to India and Pakistan to cease conflict and act in accordance with the teachings of the Buddha.

The 20th United Nations Day of Vesak was commemorated in Bangkok, Thailand, with the event inaugurated under the patronage of the Prime Minister of Thailand at the UN Conference Centre. Representatives from numerous countries—including monks, scholars, and professionals—took part in the celebrations.

Sri Lanka was represented by a delegation including the Malwathu Chapter’s Anunayake Thera Niyangoda Vijithasiri Thera, Chancellor of the University of Ruhuna Ven. Akuratiye Nanda Thera, Prof. Walamoruwa Piyarathana Nayake Thera, and Swarnavahini Religious Affairs Director Tharanga Wickramantha, among others.

The United Nations Vesak Day celebration, which began in 2004, was previously hosted by Sri Lanka in 2017. This year’s 20th commemoration saw participation from 53 countries, featuring a diverse gathering of monks and scholars from different traditions and cultures.

Addressing the assembly, Venerable Niyangoda Vijithasiri Thera emphasised the importance of peace and called upon Pakistan, a country with a Buddhist heritage, and India, the land of the Buddha, to resolve their differences through non-violence and compassion, in keeping with the Dhamma.

Other notable speakers included Dr. Tampalawela Dhammaratana Thera representing France, and Professor Phra Brahmapundit representing Thailand. The United Nations Secretary-General also addressed the gathering via video message.