The "Diyawanna Bodhu Bathi Gee Saraniya" organized jointly by the Parliamentary Staff and the Parliamentary Buddhist Society to mark the National Vesak Week, was successfully held on the 16th at the Parliament premises.
This programme, held under the patronage of the Hon. Speaker, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, took place from 6.00 PM to 8.00 PM on the said day.
The Diyawanna Bodhu Bathi Gee Saraniya featured performances by vocalists and musicians representing all departments and affiliated staff of the Parliament.
Expressing his views at the event, Hon. Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne stated that our culture was shaped through the Buddhist philosophy and that this philosophy had greatly contributed towards Sri Lankans becoming well-mannered individuals. He further remarked that if one could act free from greed, hatred, and delusion in governance, daily duties, and in personal life, then the wisdom cultivated through such practice would allow one to act without attachments and conflicts.
Further expressing her views, Secretary General of Parliament Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera stated that the Parliamentary staff is like a small family composed of Sri Lankans from various ethnic and religious backgrounds, and this Diyawanna Bodhu Bathi Gee Saraniya further highlighted the religious and national harmony maintained by the staff. She also emphasized that she highly appreciates the successful organization and execution of this event.
Support for the success of the Diyawanna Bodhu Bathi Gee Saraniya was provided by the Department of Department of Public Trustee, Nestlé Lanka Limited, the Bank of Ceylon Parliamentary Branch, P&S Bakers (Pvt) Ltd, and Mrs. Udeni Muthukuda and her family members.
Among those present on this occasion were Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees Hemali Weerasekara, Hon. Leader of the House Minister Bimal Rathnayake, Hon. Chief Opposition Whip Gayantha Karunathilleka, Chief of Staff and Deputy Secretary General of Parliament Chaminda Kularatne, Assistant Secretary General of Parliament Hansa Abeyratne, Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs Sunanda Kariyapperuma, as well as officers representing the Sri Lanka Police, the Sri Lanka Armed Forces, and officials from affiliated offices of the Parliament.
