Sri Lanka Police will implement a special security programme throughout Vesak week to ensure that the public can observe religious practices freely, peacefully, and without fear or inconvenience.
The Police have also issued guidelines in order to maintain peace and uphold the religious significance of the Vesak season.
The initiatives come as Buddhists across the world prepare to mark Vesak Full Moon Poya Day, regarded as the most sacred occasion in the Buddhist calendar, on 30 May 2026.
During this Vesak season, devotees across Sri Lanka are giving priority to both Amisa Pooja (offerings) and Prathipatti Pooja (practice), with the Police emphasising that enhanced security measures will safeguard the environment for worship and community observances.
According to the Police, during this period, large numbers of devotees are expected to gather at sacred Buddhist sites, including ancient places of worship across the island. Various Vesak-related events, such as Vesak lantern and pandal exhibitions and Bhakthi Gee performances, are also being organized.
The Police said the IGP has instructed all police stations to take necessary measures to minimize traffic congestion and ensure public convenience in those areas.
Furthermore, the Sri Lanka Police expects to strengthen public safety and protect property by deploying increased day and night mobile patrols and special security operations in all police divisions. These measures are intended to provide devotees with an environment conducive to engaging in religious observances without disruption.
The Police said they remain vigilant and will take strict legal action against individuals or groups whose conduct undermines the dignity and sanctity of the Vesak festival or causes inconvenience to devotees participating in religious activities.
Accordingly, the public is kindly requested to pay special attention to the following guidelines in order to maintain peace and uphold the religious significance of the Vesak season:
- Refrain from engaging in Olubakkan dancing, wearing face coverings, behaving indecently, or dressing in inappropriate and distorted costumes that diminish the dignity and sacredness of the Vesak festival.
- Avoid playing excessively loud music in public places that may disturb or inconvenience others.
- Refrain from playing loud music or songs that are unsuitable for the Vesak festival near Dansal and Pandal sites.
- Use loudspeakers responsibly without causing disturbance to others and obtain the required legal permissions before use.
- Visitors attending Vesak celebrations are requested to abstain from alcohol and narcotic substances.
- Organizers conducting Dansal programs should strictly adhere to proper health and safety guidelines.
- Appropriate crowd management measures should be implemented near Dansal premises to prevent traffic disruptions and congestion.
- Avoid parking vehicles on both sides of roads in a manner that obstructs traffic flow.
- Dispose of waste responsibly instead of releasing it into the environment.
- Pay special attention to the safety of children and elderly persons in crowded areas.
- Take necessary precautions to safeguard your valuable personal belongings from theft.
- Remain alert regarding suspicious individuals and immediately notify the nearest police officer if any suspicious activity is observed.
- In order to reduce road accidents, relevant video footage may be reported immediately via WhatsApp to 070-4755600. Complaints regarding vehicles emitting excessive smoke can be reported to WhatsApp number 070-3500525 for legal action. In addition, the public is requested to contact the Sri Lanka Police through the emergency hotlines 118 and 119 in the event of any incident requiring police assistance.
The Sri Lanka Police further requested the public to cooperate by adhering to the above guidelines so that everyone may experience the true spirit and serenity of the Vesak season while engaging in religious observances peacefully and respectfully. (Newswire)