The State Vesak Festival for this year will be held at the Midellawala Purana Maha Viharaya in Thihagoda, Matara, General Secretary of the All-Island Sasanarakshaka Bala Mandalaya, Most Venerable Mugunuwela Anuruddha Thero, announced.
Ven. Mugunuwela Anuruddha Thero made the announcement at a media briefing held yesterday (10) at the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs.
He stated that the decision was taken during the third session of the newly established Buddhasasana Council formed by the present government. The venue was selected following a recommendation by the All-Island Sasanarakshaka Bala Mandalaya and was subsequently approved by the Buddhasasana Council along with the Minister and Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana.
Meanwhile, Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Professor Chandana Abayarathna, announced on January 24 that the government has decided to hold the State Vesak Festival on May 30 this year.
The Minister further noted that the Chief Prelates of the Malwathu and Asgiriya Chapters had informed the President in writing that it would not be appropriate to observe Vesak Poya on May 1, as the ‘visā nakatha’ does not fall on that date. Accordingly, based on the recommendations of the Poya Day Committee and after due consideration, the decision was taken to hold the State Vesak Festival on May 30.
