The Excise Department has announced that all licensed liquor outlets across Sri Lanka will remain closed during the Vesak Full Moon Festival on Saturday, May 30, and Sunday, May 31.

Excise Commissioner General M.B.N.A. Pemarathna said the closure will begin from this evening, May 29, and continue until reopening on Monday, June 1.

The directive applies islandwide in observance of Vesak, marking Buddhist Year 2570.

The department urged the public to report any violations of license conditions during the closure period via the short code 1913 or by email at oicoptroom@excise.gov.lk.

Pemarathna added that strict legal action will be taken against outlets that remain open or breach licensing rules. (Newswire)

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The Public Health Inspectors’ Union (PHIU) says nearly 15,000 dansal have been registered across Sri Lanka for Vesak Poya, it was reported.

According to reports, PHIU Secretary Chamil Muthukuda said registration remains open.

Muthukuda urged organizers to follow proper health‑safety procedures, noting several communicable diseases have been reported in different regions. (Newswire)

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The Director General of Health Services, Specialist Dr. Asela Gunawardena, has instructed that all dansal organized across Sri Lanka for the upcoming Vesak festival must be registered with the office of the Medical Officer of Health in the relevant area.

The directive aims to ensure that the public is provided with safe, clean, and quality food during the festival. 

Organizers are advised to meet their area’s Medical Officer of Health or Public Health Inspector to obtain necessary health guidance and complete the required registration.

Health authorities stressed that the measure is part of broader efforts to safeguard public health during large‑scale community events, ensuring food safety standards are maintained. (Newswire)

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The Department of Excise has announced that all liquor shops will be closed for three days in May in view of the Vesak festival and International Workers’ Day.

According to the department, liquor stores will be closed on May 01, which marks International Workers’ Day (May Day).

All liquor stores will also be closed on May 30 (Vesak Poya) and May 31 (the day following Vesak Poya).

The government announced that, at the request of the Chief Prelates, it has been decided to observe Vesak Full Moon Poya Day on May 30, while May 31, the day following Vesak Poya Day, will be a public holiday.

The government further declared the State Vesak Week from May 27 to June 2. (Newswire)

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At the request of the Chief Prelates, it has been decided to observe Vesak Full Moon Poya Day on May 30, and to hold Vesak Week from May 27 to June 2, Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said.

Accordingly, the day following Vesak Poya Day, May 31 (Sunday), will be a public holiday, the Cabinet Spokesperson said.

The gazette notification related to this matter will be issued by the Ministry of Public Administration, he said. (Newswire)

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The government has announced that the Sri Buddha Year 2570 State Vesak Festival will be held on May 27, 2026, at the premises of the Midellawala Ancient Temple in Thihagoda, Matara.

According to the Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs, the period from May 27 to June 2 has been declared as “Vesak Week” in line with the Cabinet decision dated March 30, 2026.

The All‑Island Sasanarakshaka Mandalaya says Vesak celebrations have been organized across the island by the Ministry of Buddhist Religious and Cultural Affairs, together with the Department of Buddhist Affairs, District and Divisional Secretariats, and with the support of state and non‑state institutions. 

The initiative aims to prioritise spiritual development and implement meaningful, fruitful programmes during the week.

All temples, schools, Dhamma schools, and institutions are expected to carry out activities under the full guidance of District and Divisional Sasanarakshaka Mandalayas.

The programme plan for ‘Vesak Week’ is as follows;

May 27, 2026  

State Vesak Festival at Matara District and island‑wide inaugural programmes at district and divisional levels.

May 28, 2026 – Theme: “Healthy Life”  

Free medical clinics, blood donation campaigns, eye clinics, and organ donation registration organized at the divisional and health officer levels.

May 29, 2026 – Moral Conduct Promotion  

Anti‑drug programmes for school and Dhamma school children, youth awareness on Buddhist traditions, moral conduct processions, and shramadana at elders’ homes, children’s homes, and hospitals.

May 30, 2026 – Observance and Meditation (Poya Day)  

Observance and meditation programmes at temples that involve students and youth. The day is to be observed as a complete religious day without musical shows or carnivals.

May 31, 2026 – Training for Monks and Nuns  

Capacity‑building programmes for monks studying in Pirivena schools, with donor support for facilities.

June 1, 2026 – Spiritual Development  

Dharma sermons, discussions, meditation programmes, and awareness for children and youth on Buddhist traditions.

June 2, 2026 – Environmental Conservation  

Programmes under the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative, including lectures and workshops on Buddhism and the environment, cleaning campaigns, tree planting, and establishment of herbal and community gardens. (Newswire)

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The Chief Prelates of Sri Lanka’s three Buddhist Chapters have sent a letter to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake requesting that the date of Vesak Poya in 2026 be revised.

The letter states that in May 2026, two full moon Poya days fall on May 1 and May 30. 

According to the calendar already issued by the Ministry of Public Administration, May 1 has been designated as Vesak Poya Day, while May 30 has been marked as Adhi Poson Poya Day.

However, since the auspicious “Visa Nakath” does not fall on May 1, there has been considerable public debate about recognizing that day as Vesak Poya.

The Chief Prelates, after consulting senior Sangha councils and astrologers, have decided in line with traditional Buddhist practice that Vesak Poya should be observed on May 30, when the Visa Nakath occurs.

Accordingly, the letter further notes that May 30, 2026, should be officially declared as Vesak Poya Day, and that all traditional religious observances and state ceremonies connected with Vesak should be scheduled for that date, with instructions issued to the relevant government authorities. (Newswire)

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The public has been warned of fake messages on social media platforms promising free data in view of the Vesak Festival, referred to as Data Dansal. 

According to the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT), links have been shared on social media platforms promising to provide free data for Vesak Poya. 

SLCERT’s Senior Information Security Engineer, Charuka Damunupola, said the links have been shared to collect personal and confidential information of individuals.

Pointing out that there were actual data donations being conducted by certain sites, he said, however, the links being shared on WhatsApp groups and chat messages were fraudulent. 

He further explained that these links redirect the user to another website, through which fraudsters can obtain personal information, such as name, date of birth, and NIC number. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake marked Vesak Full Moon Poya Day with a message emphasizing the continued relevance of the Buddha’s teachings in fostering national unity and good governance.

Full statement:

The Vesak Full Moon Poya Day, which marks the Birth, Enlightenment and Parinirvana of the Lord Buddha, is a day of profound significance for Buddhists worldwide. It was on such a sacred Vesak Day that the Buddha, having fulfilled the Perfections (Pāramitās), vanquished the forces of Māra, cultivated wisdom through the Middle Path, realised the Four Noble Truths and eradicated all defilements to attain Supreme Enlightenment (Sammā Sambuddha).

Throughout countless lifetimes, the Buddha endured suffering, perfected virtues and ultimately discovered the Dhamma, a timeless truth for the spiritual well-being of all beings. His core teaching was not merely religious but a path to inner development, guiding humanity towards moral and intellectual growth.

The Buddhist philosophy also provides profound insights into good governance. As the Buddha taught:
“Sabbam rāṭṭhaṁ sukhaṁ seti – Rājā ce hoti dhammiko” (The whole country thrives in happiness – if its ruler is righteous.)
This underscores that when a nation’s leader governs with justice and virtue, the people prosper in peace.

Inspired by the Buddha’s teachings, we must strive to build a prosperous nation rooted in selflessness, equality and social justice, fulfilling the aspirations of our people for a “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life.” Let us unite with determination and diligence to achieve this noble vision.

Moreover, the Buddha’s message of peace remains ever-relevant. In a world torn by conflict and division, we must embrace the Four Brahmavihāras, Loving-kindness (Mettā), Compassion (Karunā), Altruistic Joy (Muditā) and Equanimity (Upekkhā), to foster global harmony.May this auspicious Vesak Festival illuminate all hearts with the light of Dhamma! (PMD)

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Sri Lanka Railways has launched special train services from May 9 to 13 to manage increased passenger demand during the long weekend and the state Vesak festival.

The additional services will run on two key routes: Colombo Fort to Badulla and Colombo Fort to Kankesanthurai, the Department of Railways said.

The special schedule includes Vesak Night and Morning Specials between Colombo Fort and Badulla, and Intercity Express services between Colombo Fort and Kankesanthurai. (Newswire)

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The Public Health Inspectors’ Union (PHIU) has announced that all dansals organized for this year’s Vesak festival must be registered by 09 May.

Accordingly, organizers of all dansals are required to register with their nearest Medical Officer of Health (MOH) office. 

The PHIU further stated that additional information can be obtained from the nearest Public Health Inspector offices.

During the Vesak season, around 3,000 Public Health Inspectors will be deployed across the country to inspect dansals, food stalls, hotels, and mobile food vendors, the PHIU added. (Newswire)

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A 50-year-old father of one has been sentenced to eight years of rigorous imprisonment for sexually molesting an 11-year-old child during the Vesak festival in Colombo in 2015.

The Colombo High Court today sentenced the man and imposed a fine of Rs. 10,000 on the suspect, while he was also ordered to pay a compensation of Rs. 200,000 to the victim.

The court warned that in the event the suspect fails to pay the fine and compensation, he will be sentenced to another 18 months.

The victim had been sexually molested by the suspect after having visited the Vesak Zone in Colombo along with his parents in May 2015.

The suspect is accused of luring the victim into a stall under the pretext of making a Vesak lantern, where he had sexually abused the underage child. (Newswire)  

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Honouring the global Buddhist community, the White House in Washington DC, led by Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, celebrated Vesak with a formal ceremony recently (May 23). 

According to the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington DC, the event took place at the White House, marking the day of Vesak, which is observed by millions of Buddhists in the US and worldwide. The ceremony emphasized the relevance of Buddhist teachings in promoting peace, tolerance, and compassion and offering sustained solutions to global challenges.

The ceremony was a testament to the diversity and unity within the Buddhist community. Buddhist priests from various traditions came together, lighting lamps and chanting prayers in front of a specially set-up platform. The platform featured a large Buddha statue, donated to the White House by the Sri Lanka Embassy last year, and was adorned with decorations ranging from flowers to Buddhist flags and lamps.

The event was attended by representatives of all Buddhist faiths, the diplomatic community, senior White House officials led by Deputy Assistant to the President Erika Moritsugu, senior State Department officials including Assistant Secretary Ambassador Donald Lu and Deputy Assistant Secretary Afreen Akhter, other senior US government officials, interfaith leaders, and members of civil society, including the International Buddhist Association of America.

In the meantime, President Biden, in a statement, marked the day by underscoring the significance of the occasion and extending his warm wishes to Buddhists in the US and around the world. He acknowledged the importance of Buddhist teachings, primarily highlighting the value of such principles in addressing current global issues. 

Ambassador Mahinda Samarasinghe represented Sri Lanka at the invitation of the White House. In March this year, Ambassador Samarasinghe initiated the first preparatory meeting at his official residence in the presence of all stakeholders, including from the White House, who were responsible for arranging this year’s celebration. 

Ven. Katugastota Uparathana Thero (Chief Incumbent of Maryland Buddhist Vihara),   Ven. Karaputugala Indraratana Thero (Chief Incumbent of Sri Sambuddhaloka Vihara, Hagerstown), Ven. Ethkandawaka Saddhajeewa Thero (Chief Incumbent of West Virginia Buddhist Temple), Ven. Thalawe Damithabodhi Thero (Chief Incumbent of the Mahamewna Meditation Center, Washington DC), and Ven. Wathuliyadde Rathanaseeha Thero (Washington Buddhist Vihara) also represented the Sri Lankan Buddhist community in the US at the White House event. (Newswire)

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The High Commission of India in Colombo has organized a special exhibition titled ‘Buddham Sharanam Gacchami,’ which showcases works on the life of Lord Buddha by iconic masters of modern Indian art. This exhibition is part of the Buddha Rashmi National Vesak Festival held at Seemamalakaya, Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo.

The exhibition opened as the Buddha Rashmi Zone, jointly organized by the President’s Secretariat, Prime Minister’s Office, and Gangaramaya Temple, was inaugurated by the President of Sri Lanka, H.E. Ranil Wickremesinghe. The inauguration event, held on 23 May 2024, was attended by High Commissioner H.E. Santosh Jha, senior ministers, and other dignitaries.

A highlight of the exhibition is a digital immersive experience  allowing visitors to explore the visual allure and spiritual essence of Buddhist art. This experience embodies the universal values of wisdom, compassion, and peace. The exhibition was curated by the National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi, India, with its first showing in New Delhi during Vesak in May 2023.

The exhibition is open for public viewing from 23 May 2024 at 7 PM until 26 May 2024.

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Mayor Muriel Bowser of Washington D.C. has issued a Proclamation declaring 23 May 2024 as “Vesak Festival Day” in the American Capital. 

According to the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington D.C., the Proclamation was made upon a request made by the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the United States Mahinda Samarasinghe during a meeting with the Mayor earlier this year.

The Proclamation acknowledges that Vesak is the most sacred day for Buddhists as it marks the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha. It also recognises that over 3 million Buddhists live in the United States and that the festival is of utmost significance to them. It also adverts to the Buddhist adherence to universal values of tolerance, compassion, and service to humanity which are commemorated by persons of other faiths as well.

On behalf of Mayor Bowser, Director of International Affairs and Protocol Officer, Executive Office of the Mayor Anthony Andrews,  and Secretary of D.C., Kimberly Bassett, handed over the Proclamation to Ambassador Samarasinghe at the Embassy Last week (May 17).

Diplomatic officers of the Embassy were also associated with Ambassador Samarasinghe on the occasion. (Newswire)

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The Department of Excise has announced the closure of liquor stores in view of the Vesak Festival celebrated this week. 

Accordingly, liquor stores Islandwide will be closed on 23 and 24 May 2024, and reopen on May 25, 2024.

However, liquor stores in the Matale District will be closed for a period of four days, from May 21 to May 25. 

The Excise Department said that this was in view of the National Vesak Festival which will be held in the Matale District this year. (Newswire)

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President Ranil Wickremesinghe inaugurated the ‘Buddha Rashmi’ Vesak Zone, which is the National Vesak celebration organized by the Hunupitiya Gangarama Temple in Colombo, yesterday (03). 

The President’s Media Division (PMD) stated that the Vesak program includes various events organized at the Galle Face Shangri-la Green and Presidential Secretariat Premises on May 03, 04, 05, and 06.

During the inauguration, the President switched on the lights to mark the start of the Vesak program and attended the ‘Bhakthi Gee’ event on the steps of the Presidential Secretariat. After that, he offered flowers to the Buddha statue and participated in religious rituals at the Seemamalakaya of the Gangarama Temple.

The President also illuminated the “Buddha Rashmi Vesak Kalapaya” electric lights to inaugurate the Vesak celebration. The South Asian Embassies and High Commissions had created exhibition booths at the Vesak Zone to showcase the Buddhist heritage of the Vesak region, which the President visited. He observed the designs and asked for details from the designers.

The President also made a note in the commemorative book at the exhibition hall of the Pakistani Buddhist heritage. Later, he visited the Gangarama Temple and received blessings from Venerable Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thera, the Chief Incumbent of the Temple. Additionally, he had a friendly conversation with the local and foreign devotees who had come to visit the Buddha Rashmi Vesak program.

The Venerable Sangha community, including Ven. Kollupitiye Prof. Mahinda Sangharakkhita Thera of the Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Ministers Bandula Gunawardena, Manusha Nanayakkara, Naseer Ahmed, Minister of State Suren Raghavan, Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Staff to the President, Sagala Ratnayake, President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, General Kamal Gunaratne (Retired), Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Mr Gopal Bagle, Pakistan High Commissioner Major General Umar Farooq Burki, General Shavendra Silva, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Army Commander Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Inspector General of Police C D Wickramaratne, Foreign Ambassadors, High Commissioners and several others also participated in this event. (NewsWire)

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All licenced wine stores and liquor sales outlets across Sri Lanka will be closed for three days next week in view of the Vesak festival.

The Department of Excise stated that all licenced liquor outlets or retail outlets will be closed from the 4th -the 6th of May. 

The Department further warned that stringent action will be taken against those failing to close down during the said period. (NewsWire)

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