Sri Lanka, May 30 -- President Anura Kumara Dissanayake states that, according to Buddhism, to establish peace in the external world, spiritual peace within the individual must first be ensured.

The President made these remarks in a message issued on the occasion of Vesak Day.

The President's Vesak message:

"Vesak, which commemorates the sacred threefold events of the Buddha, is the greatest festival for Buddhists around the world. The people of Sri Lanka, who inherit a proud culture enriched by Buddhist heritage, join Buddhists worldwide in reverently celebrating this sacred occasion.

Buddhism is the greatest philosophical teaching that brought a timeless and practical message of peace to the entire world. The entire doctrine preache...