The Embassy of Sri Lanka in the Philippines organized a religious ceremony on Nov. 20, 2024, at Wisdom Park to commemorate the late Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar. The event coincided with the visit of his spouse, Suganthie Kadirgamar, to the Philippines.
Ambassador Dr. Chanaka Talpahewa, embassy staff, members of the Sri Lankan community, and well-wishers attended the ceremony.
Visitors were welcomed by Wisdom Park officials, including Founder Dr. Mariano Yupitun, President Harish Dilhan Athauda, and Vice President for Operations Corrine Adiaton. Dr. Yupitun remembered the late minister as a remarkable figure who contributed significantly to Sri Lanka and Buddhism, noting his efforts in spearheading the campaign to declare Vesak as a United Nations holiday. He also presented Ms. Kadirgamar with a first-day cover of the Vesak Day stamp issued by the Philippine government.
The ceremony included a bodhi pooja and circumambulation of the bo tree, grown from a sapling of the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura and planted at Wisdom Park. This was followed by a Buddha Pooja and an alms-giving to the Maha Sangha, prepared by embassy staff. Religious observances were conducted by Lama Shifu Yuemin.
