Srilanka, June 15 -- In tandem with the 2026 International Vesak Festival, a Vesak celebration was organised at the White House, the official residence of the US President in Washington DC.

Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana Buddhist monks participated in this Vesak celebration, which was held with the full patronage of the American government.

Representing Theravada Buddhism, the Chief Judicial Prelate (Sanghanayaka) of the USA, Most Venerable Katugastota Uparatana Nayaka Thera and the Chief Incumbent of the Staten Island Buddhist Vihara in New York, Venerable Heenbunne Kondanya Thera participated in this event.

A group of laity and clergy, including high-ranking White House officials and representatives of the International Buddhist...