Janice Wu and Jennilyn Wang
February 7, 2024

This year, Sri Lanka celebrate their 76th Independence Day on February 4 at the Embassy Residence. The Sri Lanka Embassy in the Philippines invited Fo Guang Shan Philippines Mabuhay Temple to join their celebrations through Director Bibiana Cheung of the Buddha's Light International Association Philippines. Sri Lanka Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Dr. Chanaka Talpahewa personally received Venerable Zhipu, together with BLIA Philippines VP Kenny Sy, BLIA Philippines Elder Advisor Committee Vice General Lourdes Wang, BLIA Philippines Director Bibiana Cheung, BLIA-Manila II Subchapter VPs Janice Wu and Jennilyn Wang, Deputy Secretary Krystabelle Cheung and other members of the subchapter attended.

The celebration kicked off with a flag-raising ceremony, singing of the Sri Lankan national anthem and lighting of lamps in a solemn atmosphere. This is followed by blessing ceremonies held by leaders of various religious groups, namely Buddhism, Catholicism, Hinduism, and Christianity, to the nearly hundred people who attended the celebration.

In her speech, Venerable Zhipu said that regardless of religion, as long as everyone practice in their daily lives do good deeds, say good words, and have good intentions, which is the Three Acts of Goodness Movement introduced by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, founder of Fo Guang Shan, the world would be a better place. Then she read the "Prayer for the Country" by Venerable Master Hsing Yun.

Venerable Zhipu said that regardless of religion, as long as everyone practice in their daily lives do good deeds, say good words, and have good intentions, which is the Three Acts of Goodness Movement introduced by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, founder of Fo Guang Shan, the world would be a better place. photo／The Life News Agency

Venerable Zhipu and BLIA Philippines Vice President Kenny Sy lead the delegate in the presentation of 2024 New Year's Greetings Couplet from Venerable Master Hsing Yun: May You Be Free as Cloud and Water, Auspicious and Joyful."

Venerable Zhipu and BLIA Philippines Vice President Kenny Sy lead the delegate in the presentation of 2024 New Year's Greetings Couplet from Venerable Master Hsing Yun: May You Be Free as Cloud and Water, Auspicious and Joyful." photo／The Life News Agency

Ambassador Talpahewa deliver thank you speech to everyone for taking the time to attend and to the leaders of various religious groups for coming to pray. This shows Sri Lanka's multicultural respect and religious diversity. The ambassador explained that the children participate in the lighting of the lamps ceremony because they are the future leaders.

Ambassador Talpahewa deliver thank you speech to everyone for taking the time to attend and to the leaders of various religious groups for coming to pray. photo／The Life News Agency

Independence Day messages from the President, Prime Minister, and Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka were read by various Sri Lankan officials.

Ambassador Talpahewa met with the representatives of various religious groups to share some thoughts on world peace and express his hope that everyone would work together to contribute to world peace.