In celebration of Vesak Poya Day, Ambassador Prasad Kariyawasam and the staff of the Sri Lanka Embassy in Washington DC organized an almsgiving ceremony at the Embassy to offer alms to the resident monks of Sri Lankan Buddhist Temples located in the Washington region. Ven. Maharagama Dhammasiri Nayaka Thero, Chief Abbott of the Washington Buddhist Vihara, Ven. Katugastota Uparatana Nayaka Thero, Chief Abbott of the Maryland Buddhist Vihara, as well as resident monks of the Mahamewna Monastery were present at this event.

The Ambassador and members of Embassy staff also participated in the Annual International Vesak Celebration at the Wat Thai Temple in Maryland. It was organized by the International Buddhist Committee of Washington DC. The International Buddhist Committee is co-Chaired by Ven. Maharagama Dhammasiri Thero of the Washington Buddhist Vihara and Ven. Katugastota Uparatana Thero of Maryland Buddhist Vihara, together with Ven. Thanat Inthisan of Wat Thai DC. Well-known American Buddhist monk Bhikkhu Bodhi delivered the keynote sermon at this event.