Everybody likes Cinema. Any message can be communicated to the modern world with the film medium as the vehicle.

The approach of the Light of Asia Foundation was two-pronged. In the first instance, to organize an International Buddhist Film Festival, to enable filmmakers from Sri Lanka and from the outside world, to create cinematic works with a Buddhist Theme. This would stir a profound interest in making films bearing a Buddhist concept. The next concern was to make an Epic Film on the life of Prince Siddhartha and Ascetic Siddhartha, to arouse a global awareness of the life and the spiritual quest of the Supremely Enlightened Buddha.

The International VESAK 2009 Buddhist Film Festival was launched by the Light of Asia Foundation with the BIICH and the National Film Corporation, supported by the strategic partner ICTA. Entries flowed in, both from Sri Lanka and from foreign lands, with an unexpected fluency Hon. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, the then Minister of Cultural Affairs and National Heritage, was an ever available source of assistance.

The 2009 pageant, within the premises of the BMICH, proved a surprising success. Many innovative items were introduced to ensure the well-being of the participants. The experiences gathered in 2009 and 2010, have made the Organization fully prepared to move towards the grand global event planned for VESAK 2011.

The patronage extended by the President, His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa and Hon.Chamal Rajapaksa as Chairman of the Festival, has enabled us to launch the program for 2011 with a vast sense of confidence, assurance and renewed commitment. With the commitment of all concerned, Sri Lanka can be transformed to the stature of the global hub from which the word of the Buddha will radiate right across cultures and Frontier.