Vesak Week Declared from May 27 to June 2 Across Sri Lanka

A special Vesak Week has been declared from today (27 May) until 2 June in line with the 2026 State Vesak Festival, which is being held to mark the Sambuddhatva Jayanthi.

Authorities said Vesak celebrations will be conducted islandwide with the support of both 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.

This year’s 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 outlined the guidelines to be followed when organising Vesak celebrations across the country.

The Minister urged organisers to strictly adhere to the official circular issued for Vesak events, noting that in previous years certain activities considered inappropriate for Vesak celebrations — including haunted houses and traditional mask dance displays had been incorporated into festivities.

He further stated that instructions had been issued to minimise or completely avoid the use of polythene and plastic during Vesak celebrations in an effort to promote environmentally friendly observances.

Police have also been informed of the measures to be enforced and the activities that should be avoided during the Vesak season, the Minister added.