Sri Lankans requested to limit Vesak celebrations to their households

COLOMBO (News1st): Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has requested the public to limit Vesak festivities to their households, as celebrations will be muted due to the spread of the coronavirus. Buddhists in Sri Lanka will celebrate the Vesak Festival on May 7 to commemorate the birth, enlightenment and death of Lord Buddha. Issuing a statement, the Prime Minister called on the public to prioritize festivities such as lighting the oil lamp and decorating their homes. He said that he expects the Police and other law enforcement units to assist traders in the home delivery of raw materials required for these festivities. This year's state Vesak celebrations will be held under the theme "Health is the paramount wealth. Happiness is the enduring wealth" in line with the teachings of the Dhammapada scripture. The state Vesak festival will be held from May 6 to 8 at a temple in Kalutara with the attendance of the President and the Prime Minister with the attendance of limited guests, the government said.