Buddhism at the Heart of National Identity: Minister Vijitha Herath
31-May-2026.
Sri Lanka has always regarded Buddhism as the heart of its national identity and cultural heritage, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath stated.
In his Vesak message, delivered via video at the 27th International Day of Vesak celebration held at the Economic and Social Council Chamber of the United Nations Headquarters, Minister Herath said:
"It is a privilege to address this gathering as we mark 27 years since the historic adoption of UN Resolution 54/115, which recognised Vesak internationally at the United Nations Headquarters and its affiliated offices worldwide.
This landmark resolution, spearheaded through the vision and efforts of Sri Lanka's late Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar, accorded international recognition to Vesak, the most sacred day for millions of Buddhists around the world.
Sri Lanka is honoured to continue participating in and co-organising the annual Vesak celebrations at the United Nations. I also extend my sincere appreciation to the Government of Thailand, the co-host of this event.
Vesak commemorates the birth, enlightenment and Parinirvana of Lord Buddha. Through his teachings, the Buddha revealed the immense potential of the human mind and showed the path to inner and outer peace through the Noble Eightfold Path and the attainment of Nirvana.
Buddhism represents a journey towards liberation from the limitations of nature such as sickness and death, as well as from the endless cycle of suffering arising from human-made social structures.
The Buddha taught that reason is common to all humanity and that our identities are shaped by ideologies that we ourselves construct. These ideologies create divisions among people. Deeply rooted within social systems, distinctions based on state, nation, caste, gender, race and religion have contributed to much of humanity's suffering throughout history.
Attachment to such divisions is a fundamental cause of suffering and often leads people into conflict with one another.
As Buddhism spread across the world, vast numbers embraced the path towards Nirvana. Many societies also structured their way of life around Buddhist teachings. Sri Lanka continues to regard Buddhism as central to its national identity and culture. In this spirit, the Government is implementing the 'Clean Sri Lanka' programme with a long-term vision that balances economic development, environmental protection, good governance and social well-being.
Reaching consensus and demonstrating flexibility during times of crisis should not be viewed as weakness, but rather as strength. The Buddhist values of Metta (loving-kindness), Karuna (compassion), Mudita (sympathetic joy) and Upekkha (equanimity) should guide efforts towards global peace and harmonious coexistence."
