Sri Lanka Police have announced a comprehensive island-wide security programme for Vesak week, ahead of the Vesak Full Moon Poya Day on May 30, 2026.
The Police Media Division said all police stations have been directed to take steps to minimise traffic congestion and ensure public convenience around sacred Buddhist sites and Vesak events. The plan includes enhanced day and night mobile patrols and special operations across all divisions to strengthen public safety and protect property.
Police warned of strict legal action against individuals or groups whose behaviour undermines the dignity and sanctity of the festival or causes inconvenience to devotees. The public has been urged to refrain from Olubakkan dancing, wearing inappropriate costumes, and conduct that diminishes the spiritual nature of the observance.
Loud music near Dansal and pandal sites has been discouraged. Loudspeakers must be used responsibly and only with proper legal approval. Attendees have been advised to abstain from alcohol and narcotic substances.
Dansal organisers must adhere to health and safety regulations and implement crowd management measures to prevent congestion. The police also called for responsible parking, proper waste disposal, vigilance about personal belongings, and particular attention to the safety of children and the elderly in crowded locations.
Two dedicated WhatsApp numbers have been issued for the season: 070-4755600 for road safety video evidence and 070-3500525 for complaints about vehicles emitting excessive smoke. Emergency assistance remains available through the police hotlines 118 and 119.
The Vesak Full Moon Poya Day on May 30 will mark the most significant Buddhist religious observance of the year. The public holiday has been gazetted for May 31 to extend the Poya weekend, and the State Vesak Festival will run from May 27 to June 2. Energy restrictions for the festival period have already been lifted by the Ceylon Electricity Board to support pandal and lantern displays.
Additional season directives in force include the Education Ministry’s school circular on Vesak week activities, the Health DG’s mandatory Dansal registration requirement, and the CEA’s warning against plastic and polythene Vesak decorations.
