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Celebrate Vesak at home: Government

19 May 2021

  • Ministry receives complaints from decoration makers

  • 24-25 May declared special Govt. holidays  

By Dinitha Rathnayake   Owing to the prevalent Covid-19 pandemic situation in the country, the Government has requested Buddhists islandwide to celebrate this year’s Vesak festival, which falls on 26 and 27 May within the confines of their homes. Speaking to The Morning, Secretary to the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Prof. Kapila Gunawardana said that the initial plan to celebrate the State Vesak Festival at the Nagadeepa Rajamaha Viharaya in Jaffna was cancelled due to the current situation of the country. “We request the people to celebrate the Vesak festival at home, considering the situation in the country.” Despite the challenges, people are still motivated – for livelihood and financial reasons – to create Vesak decorations for the festival. “We got a lot of complaints from people who create Vesak decorations for the festival. This time it is difficult for them to sell these decorations and lanterns,” noted Gunawardana. Last year’s Vesak festival too was celebrated in homes after the curfew in high-risk Districts was extended. Vesak is the most important festival for Buddhists as it encompasses the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism and it is an annual holiday observed traditionally by Buddhists. Meanwhile, Islandwide travel restrictions are to be imposed from 11 p.m. on 21 May till 4 a.m. on 25 May, according to National Operations Centre for the Prevention of the Covid-19 Outbreak Head and Army Commander Gen. Shavendra Silva. The travel restrictions would be imposed again from 11 p.m. on 25 May till 4 a.m. on 28 May. The restrictions will prohibit people from leaving their homes, and only those involved in essential services will be allowed on the roads. The Government has also declared 24 May and 25 May as special Government Holidays as well.


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