DN page 10 PICTORIAL SATURDAY, MAY 13, 2017

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi being escorted to the summit by President Sirisena, Prime Minister Wickremesing- SRIhe andLANKA Budhasasana Minister WijeyadasaHOSTS Rajapakshe 14TH UN DAY OF VESAK Most Venerable Prof. Dr. Phra Brah- mapundit Rector, Mahachulalong- Conference at the BMICH kornrajavidyalaya University & Supreme Sangha Council of Thailand Indian Prime Minister Narendre Modi addressing the 14th UN Vesak Day addressing the 14th UN Vesak Day summit summit

ri Lanka for the first time hosted the inghe and Justice and Buddhasasana Minister Minister both thanked 14th UN Day of Vesak Conference Wijayadasa Rajapakshe on his arrival at the Premier Modi, who was also the event’s Chief at the BMICH in on a BMICH. The theme of this year’ s celebra- Guest, for attending the opening ceremonies. Sgrand scale yesterday, with the par- tions was "Buddhist Teachings for Social Jus- “We are proud to host the Vesak Day cele- ticipation of 400 delegates from Bud- tice and Sustainable Peace”. brations in Colombo, and I want to thank dhists countries in the world. Indian Prime The UN Vesak Day celebrates the birth, Prime Minister Modi for being the Chief Minister Narendra Modi was the Chief guest Enlightenment and passing away of the Bud- Guest at the celebrations,” Wickremesinghe at the inauguration of the UN Vesak Day Sum- dha. Sri Lankans give pride of place for reli- said at the event. mit. gious activities including meditation pro- President presented a Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was grammes during the month of Vesak. special memento to Indian Prime Minister received by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremes- President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Narendra Modi too at this ceremony.

President Maithripala Sirisena Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe addressing the 14th UN Vesak Day addressing the 14th UN Vesak Day summit summit

President Sirisena presented a special memento to the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to mark his visit to .

Participants observing Panchaseela

Dignitaries observing Panchaseela

Pictures by Sudath Malaweera and Precident's media division

President Maithripala Sirisens, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Speaker and Justice and Buddhasasana Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe