Welcome to His Excellency, Prime Minister D. M. Jayaratne of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Visit the Philippines on May 15-16, 2011

source: mb.com.ph

MANILA, Philippines — His Excellency, Disanayaka Mudiyanselage Jayaratne (known as D.M. “Di Mu” Jayaratne), the 20th Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, is visiting the Philippines on the occasion of “Wesak Day” Celebration. Born on June 7, 1931, Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne was first elected to parliament in 1970. He was sworn in as Prime Minister on April 21, 2010, following a stint as Minister of Plantation Industries.
He had been educated at Doluwa Maha Vidyalaya and Faculty of Arts, University of Peradeniya. He is a founding member of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party.

Wesak Day – or Buddha Day – falls this year on May 17, 2011; in Sri Lanka, it is the 15th day in the 4th month of the Chinese lunar calendar. The observance varies in other countries according to the lunar calendar and it is called by various other names such as Vesakha, Vesak, Waisak, Visakah Puja, Vaishaka, Buddha Purnima, Visakha Bucha and Saga Dawa.

The Embassy of Sri Lanka and the Philippine-Sri Lanka Friendship Association are marking Wesak Day today, May 15, 2011, in Makati City, with Dansela (stalls) providing food, tea, soft drinks, or flowers for free to devotees on the way to places of worship or celebration.

Buddhists in the Indian Subcontinent, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the Southeast Asian nations of Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Indonesia, and elsewhere in the world commemorate events of significance to Gautama Buddha – his birth, enlightenment, and passing away. Devotees listen to talks given by monks to invoke peace and happiness. Buddhists are reminded to live in harmony with people of other faiths and to respect their beliefs as the Buddha had taught. The Philippines and Sri Lanka enjoy a long history of friendship and close relations. Diplomatic ties were established between the two countries in 1951. Their economic ties remain active, with bilateral trade growing significantly.

We welcome His Excellency, Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, and Delegation and wish them a fruitful and enjoyable visit in the Philippines. We greet Ambassador Nawalage Bennet Cooray and their people on their observance of Wesak Day, and wish them all the best and success in all their endeavors. MABUHAY!

source: mb.com.ph