The Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the UN in Geneva together with the Permanent Mission of Thailand co-hosted a commemorative event to mark the International Day of Vesak at the United Nations Office in Geneva (UNOG) on Vesak Full Moon Day, 5th May 2023.
The event commenced with opening remarks by co-hosts, Ambassador Himalee Arunatilaka of Sri Lanka and Ambassador Suphatra Srimaitreephithak of Thailand, highlighting the importance of the day of Vesak to millions of Buddhists around the world.
Ambassador Arunatilaka underlined the key role played by Sri Lanka in gaining international recognition for the Day of Vesak through the resolution adopted by consensus in the UN General Assembly in February 2000, following a proposal tabled by then Foreign Minister, the late Lakshman Kadirgamar, on behalf of 10 countries, titled “International Recognition of the Day of Vesak”.
The Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations (UN) and the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Geneva marked the 72nd anniversary of Sri Lanka’s independence at a solemn ceremony held on 4 February 2020 at the World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO) premises in Geneva.
An inter-religious service to pay tribute, to honour the victims of the Easter Sunday attacks in Sri Lanka, and to invoke blessings for the family members of the victims, for speedy recovery of the injured as well as for all Sri Lankans was held on Sunday, 28 April 2019 in Bern, the Capital city of Switzerland. The solemn event was organized by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Geneva together with House of Religions, Bern and the Sri Lankan community in Switzerland.
A two minutes' silence was observed by those present at the commencement of the event. Demonstrating unity and solidarity and the strength of multi-ethnic, multi-religious fabric of the Sri Lankan society, leaders representing Catholic, Buddhist, Hindu and Islamic religions participated in the event. Praying for the eternal peace for the departed souls, the religious leaders invoked blessings on the victims and their family members. All religious leaders called for understanding and tolerance among all communities to stand as one nation and prayed for peace and calm to prevail in the motherland.
Speaking at the event, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva and Consul General of Sri Lanka in Switzerland Ambassador A.L.A. Azeez, expressed deepest condolences to the families of the victims while wishing speedy recovery for those injured in the attacks. "Terrorism will never be able to defeat Sri Lanka and its people" stressed Ambassdor Azeez, recalling that during these most horrendous attacks, Sri Lankans have risen above differences, as a community of purpose, united by the values of humanity, and "that was the antithesis of which the terrorists had sought to achieve on the Easter Sunday."
The event concluded with a candle light vigil by the participants praying for the victims, families and all Sri Lankans.
Among the guests who were present were Ambassadors of India and US to Switzerland, Permanent Representative of Bhutan to the United Nations in Geneva, Diplomatic Representatives of the Embassies of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in Bern as well as Diplomatic Representatives of the Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations in Geneva.
Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Switzerland
Geneva
30 April 2019
An interactive scholarly discussion on the significance of the Tripitaka as a world heritage took place at the World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO) headquarters in Geneva, continuing the week-long celebrations-'Tripitakabivandana'. The event was also intended to raise awareness among States that follow the Buddhist traditions, as well as other States, to join hands with Sri Lanka in realising the initiative taken by President Maithripala Sirisena, to inscribe the Tripitaka on the UNESCO ‘Memory of the World’ Register.
Organized by the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Geneva, the event brought together several erudite members of the Maha Sangha, members of the diplomatic community as well as Sri Lankans living in Geneva, to reflect on the spiritual, historical as well as global value of the Tripitaka-the foremost doctrine of Buddhist teaching. A strong call for the recognition of the Tripitaka as a shared heritage of mankind was echoed.
The Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva celebrated the 71th Anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence on 9th February 2019 at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) with the participation of over 250 members of the Sri Lankan community in Switzerland. This was preceded by a separate event hosted at the same venue for the diplomatic community in Geneva, which was attended by Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives, officials of international organisations and the Executive Director of the UN Office Geneva, the Secretary General of Inter-Parliamentary Union, the Director General of World Health Organisation, among others.
World renowned Ceylon Tea along with Ceylon Cinnamon based products and Sri Lanka's famed precious stones attracted a large number of visitors to the National Stall set by the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Geneva at the United Nations Women’s Guild Bazaar on Tuesday, 20 November 2018. The Sri Lankan Food Stall run by the family members of the Mission's staff was a hot attraction providing the visitors opportunity to taste the famous Sri Lankan rice and curry.
Organized by the United Nations Women’s Guild and Permanent Missions accredited to the United Nations in Geneva, over the years the UNWG Bazaar has become a premier event in the UN calendar, with more than 150 countries' national stalls attracting close upon 6,000 visitors from all over Switzerland and neighboring cities. In addition to promoting and displaying cultural diversity of the membership of the United Nations, thus bringing them all on a unifying platform, the event provides a unique opportunity each year, for the visitors to buy handmade products and souvenirs from different countries and to experiment cuisines from around the world.
Proceeds from the Permanent Mission’s National Stall are donated to the UN Women’s Guild which supports charity projects for disadvantaged children around the world annually.
Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka
Geneva
21 November 2018
The Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva celebrated the 70th Anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence in a grand manner, on 4th February 2018 at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) with the participation of over 250 members of the Sri Lankan community in Switzerland.
The ceremonial event for the community to mark the 70th Independence Day commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag followed by the singing of the National Anthem in Sinhala. Two minutes silence was observed in hounouring all patriots, who sacrificed their lives to preserve and protect the freedom, unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka.
Following the lighting of the traditional oil lamp, multi-religious observances were conducted. Ven. Thawalama Dhammika Thero, Ven. Halyale Wimalarathana Thero and Ven. Halwitigala Sujatha Thero invoked blessings according to the Buddhist religious tradition. Rev. Uma Shankar Kurukkal conducted the Hindu religious observances. Mr. A.M. Zawahir conducted the Islamic religious observances. Rev. Sister Philo Jesudasan, Rev. Sister Clarista Benedict and Mrs. Sandra Bandaranaike conducted the Christian religious observances.
- The 69th Independence Anniversary celebrated in Geneva
- Mission organizes an event to commence the National Integration and Reconciliation Week and to mark the Second Anniversary of the Inauguration-in-Office of H.E. the President
- The 68th Anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence Day celebrated in Geneva