(UDHAYAM, KANDY) – The Government of Sri Lanka mainly on the advice of the Maha Sangha and based on the Kandy Declaration would take the necessary leadership and responsibility for a broad, international joint program, said President Maithripala Sirisena.
He was addressing the Closing Ceremony of the 14th United Nations (UN) Day of Vesak Celebration on Sunday evening (14) in Kandy. The event was held under the patronage of the President of Nepal Bidhya Devi Bhandari. Local and Foreign Dignitaries and many Buddhist representatives from over 70 countries participated on this occasion.
He said that, based on the Kandy Declaration and on the themes of Sustainable development and sustainable peace, it is possible to resolve the problems prevailing in the society nationally and internationally. “We only need dedication. We should be dedicated to achieve the goals of the Kandy Declaration.”
He said that as Buddhists, it is a pleasure to be able to gather all the Buddhist people around the world under one international organisation with this declaration, which is based on the Theravada Buddhist Philosophy. He added that he believed, as a Government and also as a Buddhist community we can obtain a number of benefits for the well-being of the human society through this initiative.”
According to him, at present, the main cause for the poverty prevailing in the society is drugs, which include arrack, cigarette, and other drugs. Those who are using those drugs are mostly the poor people around the world. He said that the Buddhist philosophy has solutions for the conflicts and poverty. “It will be a great opportunity to alleviate the poverty if everyone dedicates to practically implement the teachings in the Buddhist philosophy and the Buddhist economy with a very broad vision”, he added.
