January 25, Colombo (LNW): The State Vesak Festival for next year will be observed on May 30, 2026, Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Prof. Chandana Abeyratne disclosed.
He said the decision was reached after careful consideration of recommendations submitted by the Poya Committee, alongside a formal request made by the Chief Prelates of Sri Lanka’s three main Buddhist Chapters. The matter was also brought to the attention of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in late December last year.
The request arose due to the unusual occurrence of two Full Moon Poya days falling within the month of May 2026 — on May 01 and 30. While the official calendar issued by the Ministry of Public Administration had initially designated May 01 as Vesak Full Moon Poya Day and May 30 as Adhi Poson Poya Day, concerns were raised within the Buddhist community regarding the appropriateness of this arrangement.
Senior members of the clergy pointed out that the traditional visā nakatha, which holds religious significance in determining the proper observance of Vesak, does not fall on May 01. This prompted discussions among Sangha Sabhas and consultations with astrologers, conducted under the guidance of the Mahanayaka Theros.
Following these deliberations, consensus was reached that May 30, 2026 aligns with long-established Buddha Shasana traditions, as it coincides with the visā nakatha. In view of this, it was recommended that Vesak be formally observed on that date, with all religious events and state-sponsored ceremonies related to Vesak to be held accordingly.
