Vesak Poya Day in 2026 to be Revised Following Chief Prelates’ Request

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government says that the Vesak Full Moon Poya Day for 2026 will be revised, according to a request made by the Chief Prelates of Sri Lanka’s three Buddhist Chapters.

Minister Professor Chandana Abeyratne stated that the revised decision will be officially announced in due course.

Meanwhile, the Chief Prelates of the three Buddhist Chapters, in a letter addressed yesterday to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, stated that it would be appropriate to declare May 30, 2026, as the Vesak Full Moon Poya Day.

The Theras pointed out that both May 1 and May 30 in 2026 fall on Full Moon Poya days.

According to the calendar already issued by the Ministry of Public Administration, May 1 has been designated as Vesak Poya Day, while May 30 has been marked as Adhi Poson Poya Day.

The Chief Prelates emphasized that Vesak is observed according to the auspicious 'Visa Nakath' and that the the auspicious “Visa Nakath” does not fall on May 1.