Press briefing of Cabinet Decision taken on 2016-10-11

Facilitating the observing of the International Vesak commemoration of the United Nations - 2017 and its convention in Sri Lanka

- The Cabinet has already granted approval for the United Nations Vesak Day Celebrations and Conference to be held in the year 2017, to be held in Sri Lanka, with the participation of the United Nations. Representatives of more than 100 countries, including a number of Heads of State, are due to participate in the conference. Furthermore, this occasion would immensely contribute to create an interest in the country of Buddhist philosophy and also to ensure the international respect and recognition that Sri Lanka should receive as the centre of Theravada Buddhism. Accordingly, the proposal made by Hon.(Dr.) Wijayadasa Rajapaksa, the Minister of Buddhasasana, to get the necessary funds reserved to organize the United Nations Vesak Day Celebrations and Conference - 2017, to be held in Sri Lanka, was approved by the Cabinet.