COLOMBO : President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that a spiritual revival is essential in fostering economic revival within the country, and that the best determination people can make on this Vesak Full Moon Poya Day is to properly recognise the responsibility entrusted to all citizens to safeguard the Buddha Sasana and the Dhamma for future generations, and to unite in fulfilling that responsibility.
The President made these remarks this Thursday morning May (27) while attending the inaugural ceremony of the State Vesak Festival held at the Midellawala Purana Rajamaha Viharaya in Thihagoda
The President also pointed out that Buddhism does not belong solely to those of us living today or only to the monks clad in robes, but that the Buddha Dhamma was preached for the liberation and well-being of all humanity. He further stated that the Government expects to promptly introduce the necessary legislation to enable the Maha Sangha to maintain the Sangha institution in accordance with Vinaya discipline.
The 2026 State Vesak Festival, marking the 2570th Buddhist Year, is being held under the theme “Abhiththaretha Kalyane” and titled “Dakshina Prabha”, centred around the city of Matara from today until 1 June, in line with National Vesak Week.
The “Dakshina Prabha” National Vesak Festival consists of two Vesak zones: the “Prathipaththi Pooja” zone and the “Amisa Pooja” zone. The Prathipaththi Pooja zone is centred around the historic Matara Fort area, while the Amisa Pooja zone is located within the city of Matara and the Beach Park vicinity.
The Prathipaththi Pooja zone features an exhibition of sacred relics, Dhamma sermons and discussions conducted by eminent preachers, devotional poetry recitals, and programmes on almsgiving, observance of sil and meditation.
The Amisa Pooja zone includes a giant Vesak pandal erected near the Fort Wall and city centre, a creative Vesak lantern competition at the Matara Beach Park, devotional music performances by the Tri-Forces and Police near Pigeon Island, puppet shows and cultural performances showcasing Southern traditional arts.
Several special attractions have also been organised, including a modern AI-powered light display featuring Buddhist symbols and patterns in the sky, Jataka story presentations through traditional Southern puppetry, and digital screenings of Jataka stories and films across the city using LED displays.
