The Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs has issued a special set of guidelines for this year’s Vesak festival aimed at preventing inappropriate decorations and activities during the sacred Buddhist observance.
Deputy Minister Gamagedara Dissanayake said the rules were drafted after social media discussions during the recent Sinhala and Tamil New Year season raised concerns about practices the ministry considered inconsistent with traditional customs.
“A clear set of guidelines has now been introduced to prevent such a recurrence during the sacred Vesak season,” the Deputy Minister said.
District Secretaries, Divisional Secretaries and other relevant officials have been instructed to follow the directive, with members of the Venerable Maha Sangha also expected to observe the framework. The guidelines have already been distributed to district administrations.
Vesak Poya — the most significant date in the Buddhist calendar, marking the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha — falls on 30 May 2026 this year. State Vesak Week runs from 27 May to 2 June, during which dansal (free food stalls), pandals and lantern displays will be lit across the country.
Earlier this week, the Ministry ordered the closure of liquor shops on Vesak Poya day and Vesak full-moon Poya was gazetted as a public holiday.
