Curfew, restrictions can’t deter our lives we live in Dhamma: PM

• Vesak festival is to be celebrated amidst COVID-19 pandemic in Sri Lanka

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa in his Vesak message said the curfew, restrictions or health instructions would not affect anyone in following Dhamma.  

The Prime Minister, who is also the Buddha Sasana Affairs Minister, said the Buddhists-having lived a virtuous life for over 2,000 years-are disciplined enough to conduct Aamisa and Prathipaththi Pooja at their homes.  
“The Vesak Festival this year is to be commemorated amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in Sri Lanka as well as the world. With the dedication, patience and discipline of the Buddhists, we Sri Lankans can overcome this plague.   
Therefore, we should celebrate Vesak at the same time without hampering the victories achieved in the battle against COVID-19,” he said.  

He said the Buddhists are accustomed to be elated by even just lighting a lamp on the Vesak day at their homes and that the current situation in the country is in no way an obstacle to promote merits and to do away with sins.  

“The path shown by the Buddha will help us in overcoming this disaster. The world seems to have realized the truth of the Buddha’s assertion that life is not certain and nothing is permanent. The self discipline of the mind, body and word is the best way to face such disasters,” he said.   

“It is my belief that the discipline which Buddhists have been practicing for a long time, will help us defeat the COVID-19 epidemic before other countries. Therefore, during this Vesak season, let us discipline our mind, body and word and look at life with gratitude. May all beings be happy and healthy!,” the Prime Minister said.