holidaysBy Dinitha RathnayakeOwing to the prevalent Covid-19 pandemic situation in the country, the Government has requested Buddhists islandwide to celebrate this year’s Vesak festival, which falls on 26 and 27 May within the confines of their homes. Speaking to The Morning, Secretary to the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Prof. Kapila Gunawardana said that the initial plan to celebrate the State Vesak Festival at the Nagadeepa Rajamaha Viharaya in Jaffna was cancelled due to the current situation of the country. “We request the people to celebrate the Vesak festival at home, considering the situation in the country.”Despite the challenges, people are still motivated – for livelihood and financial reasons – to create Vesak decorations for the festival. “We got a lot of complaints from people who create Vesak decorations for the festival. Last year’s Vesak festival too was celebrated in homes after the curfew in high-risk Districts was extended.

Source: The Nation May 18, 2021 23:03 UTC