At the pagoda, the Sri Lankan President attended the inauguration and incense-offering ceremony at the Bodhi Tree Garden, planted a commemorative tree, and offered prayers at the Hall of the Buddhas of the Three Times.

Welcoming the President, Most Venerable Thich Thanh Nhieu, Standing Vice President of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha's Executive Council and head of Bai Dinh Pagoda, highlighted the longstanding ties between the Buddhist communities of Vietnam and Sri Lanka.

He also expressed his delight at hosting the President ahead of the 20th UN Day of Vesak Celebrations, to be held in Ho Chi Minh City from May 6 to 8.

Marking the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Sri Lanka in 2025 offers a valuable opportunity to deepen their Buddhist exchanges, said Most Venerable Thich Thanh Nhieu, hoping the friendship between the two countries would grow further to benefit their peoples.

Dissanayaka thanked the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha for inviting him to the Vesak celebrations and stressed the long-standing ties between the two countries, including their Buddhism-based cultural similarities.

He noted Bai Dinh Pagoda’s cultural and spiritual significance, along with its location in the Trang An Landscape Complex – a UNESCO-recognised world cultural and natural heritage site.

He expressed his hope that the visit would help further strengthen bilateral ties and there will be more opportunities for cultural exchanges in the time to come.

Sri Lankan President to pay State visit to Vietnam, attend UN Day of Vesak

VOV.VN - Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will pay a State visit to Vietnam and attend the United Nations Day of Vesak from May 4 to May 6, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on May 1.