Indian PM Modi to Inaugurate UN Vesak Day in Colombo

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate UN Vesak Day in Colombo on May 12.

“Vesak”, the Day of the Full Moon in the month of May, is the most sacred day to millions of Buddhists around the world.

The teachings of the Buddha, and his message of compassion and peace and goodwill have moved millions. Millions around the world follow the teachings of the Buddha and on the Day of Vesak commemorate the birth, the attainment of enlightenment and the passing away of the Buddha.

Vesak Day, also known as Buddha Poornima, is a traditional holiday commemorated by Sri Lanka’s majority Sinhala Buddhists.

This year’s celebration, with the theme ‘Buddhist teachings for social justice and sustainable world peace’, will be marked through a series of programmes from May 12-14, in which leaders from the region are expected to participate.

Day of Vesak Observances

Weekday Date Year Name Holiday Type
Thu May 27 2010 Day of Vesak United Nations observance
Tue May 17 2011 Day of Vesak United Nations observance
Sun May 6 2012 Day of Vesak United Nations observance
Sat May 25 2013 Day of Vesak United Nations observance
Tue May 13 2014 Day of Vesak United Nations observance
Mon Jun 1 2015 Day of Vesak United Nations observance
Fri May 20 2016 Day of Vesak United Nations observance
Wed May 10 2017 Day of Vesak United Nations observance
Tue May 29 2018 Day of Vesak United Nations observance
Sun May 19 2019 Day of Vesak United Nations observance

Mr Modi will also hold meetings with the Sri Lankan leadership. The two countries are likely to finalise development cooperation agreements, besides discussing key issues, including the Palk Bay fisheries conflict.

This is Mr Modi’s second official visit to the island nation. In March 2015, he made the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Sri Lanka in nearly three decades.