7 May 2020 11:44 am
Archbishop of Colombo Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith urged all Catholics in the Archdiocese of Colombo to assist Buddhists in whatever way to commemorate the Vesak festival.
"I request Catholics to assist their Buddhist neighbours in whatever way to commemorate Vesak, despite social distancing practices that are being carried out today in this COVID-19 pandemic," the Cardinal said in a special message for Vesak.
"Let us also consume only vegetables, fruits and herbs gifted to us by nature in accordance with the teachings of Buddha, he added.
"Vesak is being commemorated this year at a time where countries are hit by a global pandemic. It is our understanding that man has had to face this pandemic because of his disassociation with accepted values and because of his selfishness. Global attention is drawn towards the teachings of Buddha-like never before during this pandemic. Buddha has taught us that all beings including animals and plants should be happy and well" he also said.