The state visit underscored the commitment of Vietnam and Sri Lanka to cherish their longstanding friendship and expand all-around cooperation.

Ba Den Mountain is set to become a major spiritual landmark, not only with its ancient pagoda system and sacred religious structures but also as the host of world-class cultural and Buddhist events. In 2025, the mountain will host a series of significant ceremonies during the United Nations Day of Vesak, including the procession of Buddha relics from India, the Bodhi trees planting event, and a grand candle-lighting ceremony to pray for world peace. These sacred rituals will transform Ba Den Mountain into a global pilgrimage destination, attracting thousands of Buddhist followers and visitors from around the world.

Vietnam has consistently pursued the policy of respecting and guaranteeing the right to freedom of citizens to follow or not follow any religion and belief, stated the Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang.

A ceremony was held at Bang Long Pagoda in Vientiane, Laos, on May 21 to mark the Buddha’s 2563rd birthday, with the participation of hundreds of Buddhist monks, nuns, and followers from the Vietnamese community in the country.

The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS)’s chapter in Ho Chi Minh City held a ceremony to mark Lord Buddha’s 2563rd birthday at the Vietnam Quoc Tu Pagoda on May 19.

International delegates who travel to the upcoming 16th United Nations Day of Vesak in Ha Nam province will be able to enjoy free spiritual tours courtesy of domestic tour operator Vietravel.

The eighth congress of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) will take place in Hanoi on November 21-22, with 1,250 delegates set to attend, heard a press briefing on November 13.