Sri Lanka’s President Wickremesinghe calls for unity in solidarity to build affluent nation

Sri Lankan President Wickremesinghe has called for unity and solidarity to build a prosperous nation.
Colombo, May 5 (PTI) President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday called on Sri Lankans facing “difficult times” due to an unprecedented economic crisis to come together to rebuild a prosperous nation.
In his message on the occasion of Vesak Poya Day, Finance Minister Wickremesinghe of the cash-strapped country said the Buddha’s timeless philosophy is a source of comfort.
Vesak Poya Day commemorates the birth, enlightenment and death of Lord Buddha. All three events in his life are said to have happened on the same date.
The President, in his message, urged people to rise above all differences and unite in these “difficult times”.
“At this time of unprecedented economic crisis in the country, the timeless philosophy of Buddha becomes a source of solace,” he said.
“Therefore, in these troubled times, it is necessary to rise above all differences and overcome the dangers of pursuing a normal life by coming together in unity and service as the Buddha advocated,” Wickramasinghe said.
On this occasion, President Wickremesinghe granted amnesty to 988 inmates serving sentences for minor crimes in the island’s prisons, News First news website reported on Friday.
The Indian High Commission in Colombo organized a special exhibition on India’s rich Buddhist heritage as part of the celebrations in Colombo, the state-run Daily News newspaper reported.
Wickremesinghe, Indian High Commissioner Gopal Bagle, along with senior ministers and dignitaries visited the exhibition at the soft opening of the Vesak festival organized by the President’s Secretariat, Prime Minister’s Office and Gangaramaya Temple on Wednesday.
The exhibition showcases digital recreations of frescoes from India’s Ajanta Caves, a world-renowned UNESCO heritage site, depicting significant episodes from the Buddha’s life and Jataka stories.
“As the lights light up the streets on the holy day of #Vesak, we join the festivities with a unique exhibition at Gangaramaya Temple, Seemamalakaya, #Colombo. The world famous Ajanta Caves’ horoscope stories come to life in these digital paintings. TO THE PUBLIC TODAY!!” The Indian High Commission here tweeted.
The exhibition, which was also showcased at the first Global Buddhist Summit held in New Delhi on April 20 and 21, was opened for public viewing from May 5 to 7, the report said.