BUTTALA – Promoting a powerful message of harmony and unity, the ‘Children of Co-existence’ group from Suba Seth Gedara recently gathered at the Poyamalu Viharaya in Waguruvela to celebrate the sacred Vesak-Poson festival.

The programme, organized by the Missionary Oblates at Suba Seth Gedara (House of Good Will), brought together a diverse group of 98 children aged 14–16, including 34 Buddhist, 26 Hindu, 25 Muslim, and 13 Catholic participants. They were joined by 15 animators representing all four religious traditions.

A Journey into Dialogue and Understanding

The spirit of inclusivity defined the day from the very start, as Buddhist students welcomed their peers from other faiths with lotus flowers. The programme fostered a meaningful environment for inter-religious learning and connection:

• Shared Peace: All participants engaged in Metta Bhavana (meditation on loving-kindness), creating a collective space for peace and reflection.
• Interfaith Learning: Non-Buddhist students were provided a unique opportunity to learn about the life and mission of Lord Buddha, the significance of basic Buddhist signs and symbols, and the various components of a Buddhist temple.
• Collaborative Creativity: Following lunch, students were divided into multi-religious groups of eight to craft Vesak lanterns together. This collaborative activity allowed them to experience the beauty of sharing, discussing, and working in a diverse environment.

For many of the Muslim and Hindu students, this event marked their very first experience stepping inside a Buddhist temple, making the day a significant milestone in their journey of mutual respect. The programme concluded with a heartfelt performance of Vesak Bakthi Gee (Buddhist devotional songs), sung by the students as a united, multi-religious choir.