Vesak Week has been declared from today (27 May) until 2 June in line with the 2026 State Vesak Festival, held to mark the Sambuddhatva Jayanthi.
Authorities said Vesak celebrations will be conducted islandwide with the support of government and non-government institutions, including the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, the Department of Buddhist Affairs, District Secretariats and Divisional Secretariats, under the guidance of the All Ceylon Sasanarakshaka Mandalaya.
The State Vesak Festival is scheduled to take place today at the Midellawala Temple in Thihagoda, Matara, under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Meanwhile, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Hiniduma Sunil Senevi has outlined guidelines for organising Vesak celebrations across the country.
The Minister requested organisers to follow the relevant circular issued in this regard.
The Minister also said instructions had been issued to minimise or avoid the use of polythene and plastic during Vesak celebrations. (Newswire)