May Vesak replace malice with virtue, hatred with love: PM

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in his Vesak message yesterday expressed the hope that the full moon of Vesak will replace malice with virtue, hatred with love, injustice with righteousness and falsehood with truth.

He said: "The Vesak full moon appears in the sky as the dark clouds of terror cast a shadow over our nation. There is a sense of anxiety and grief throughout society. In such troubling times, the sublime teachings of Lord Buddha show us the way to unite spiritually and find common purpose in our humanity.

The Enlightened One taught us the path to liberation of the mind. It is relevant to each person individually and the public collectively. Let us abstain from lust, hate and violence, and practice the four foundations of mindfulness. This will open the way for reconciliation, peace and unity in our land.

Lord Buddha showed us that the path to Nibbana is paved with loving-kindness to every being. He said, "Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule. Let us reflect upon these profound words. Let us aim to lead lives of mutual understanding and coexistence. This is the only way, as fighting over religious and cultural differences will wreak destruction all around.

I am grateful to the public for their patience and understanding. This has enabled us to maintain national security, law and order in these challenging times. May the full moon of Vesak replace malice with virtue, hatred with love, injustice with righteousness and falsehood with truth. May it guide us along the noble path of the Dhamma towards a world of contentment, peace and enlightenment.”