The International Day of Vesak was observed at the Peace Palace, the seat of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague on May 11, presided over by the President of the ICJ, Judge Dr Ronny Abraham.
It was organised by the Embassy of Sri Lanka to The Netherlands.
This was a historic occasion,
as it was the very first time that the International Day of Vesak was observed in The Netherlands, since the adoption of the UN General Assembly Resolution on the ‘International recognition of the Day of Vesak at United Nations Headquarters and other United Nations offices’ in December 1999, and that too in the Great Hall of Justice at the Peace Palace, where the ICJ holds its sittings.
President of the ICJ, Judge Dr. Ronny Abraham delivered the welcome address. He highlighted the impact of Buddhism in the work of the ICJ. “As the principal organ of the United Nations, the International Court of Justice plays a key role in maintaining international peace.
The teachings of Buddhism find resonance in the Court’s mission which, according to Article 38 of its Statute, is to decide disputes submitted to it in accordance with international law. Through this mission, the Court contributes to international peace in different ways.”
A guest lecture was delivered by Sri Lankan jurist, Dr Christopher Pinto.
A feature of the maiden
International Day of Vesak celebration at the Peace Palace was a tribute to former Vice President of the ICJ, the only Sri Lankan to serve on the Court, late Judge Dr. Christopher Weeramantry.
It was delivered by Judge Dr. Peter Tomka, former President and current Judge of the ICJ, acknowledging the yeoman service rendered by Dr Weeramantry to humanity and for international peace.