佛教為世界主要宗教之一，教主釋迦牟尼佛所宣揚的教化流傳了二千五百多年，以慈悲與智慧來化度眾生，對人類修身立志及淨化社會均有深遠的影響。為求世人能體証到佛法的真理，與及對這位偉大教主的尊崇，世界佛教友誼會於卅多年前在斯里蘭卡開會決定，將每年五月間的衛塞節定為紀念佛陀誕生日，隨後即獲十多個國家明令為公眾假期。

　　香港回歸祖國後，特區政府重視民情，於九八年九月九日正式通過將每年農曆四月初八佛誕日列為公眾假期。落實了香港特別行政區基本法宗教信仰的政策。佛誕假期之意義非僅放假一天，而是期望社會大眾共同認識到佛法的慈悲與智慧，進而淨化身心，社會有良好風氣，大眾得益，香港得以安定繁榮，年青一代因而得到福澤無窮。

　　Buddhism is one of the major world religions. It was founded over 2500 years ago by Buddha Sakyamuni who advocated compassion and wisdom for the benefit of mankind. His teachings have a profound influence on men and society. To show respect for the great religious leader and his teachings, the World Fellowship of Buddhists, at a meeting held in Sri Lanka about 30 years ago, decided to celebrate Wesak Day in May to commemorate the birth of Buddha. Thereafter over a dozen countries have declared Wesak Day a public holiday.

　　After Hong Kong was reunited with China, the SAR Government declared the 8th day of the 4th moon of the lunar calendar a public holiday on 9 September, 1998. This represents the freedom and equality of religions in the SAR's. This significance of the Buddha's Birthday as a holiday does not lie in a day free from work, but in the public's recognition of the Buddha's teaching of compassion and wisdom, which can help to purify people's mind and society. This will bring about a stable and prosperous Hong Kong where everyone, in particular the young, can live in peace and prosperity.