Ven. Maharagama Dhammasiri Nayaka Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Washington Buddhist Vihara presided over the event attended by Ven. Katugastota Uparatana Nayaka Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Maryland Buddhist Vihara, as well as resident Theros of the Mahamewna Monastery.

Ambassador Prasad Kariyawasam and members of Embassy staff also participated in the well-attended Annual International Vesak Celebration organized by the International Buddhist Committee of Washington DC held at Wat Thai Temple in Maryland. 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.