Thursday Apr 02, 2026
Thursday Apr 02, 2026
Thursday, 2 April 2026 05:34 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Cabinet of Ministers on Monday approved the conduct of the 2026 State Vesak Festival centred at the historic Medillawala Purana Viharaya in Thihagoda, Matara, with the period from 27 May to 2 June declared as ‘Vesak Week’.
The festival, marking Buddhist Era 2570, will be held under the theme “Abhiththaretha Kalyane” (“Let us hasten towards the common good”), in line with the guidance of the Mahanayake Theros and the All Ceylon Shasanarakshaka Mandalaya.
Addressing the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing on Tuesday, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa assured that no electricity supply restrictions will be imposed during the Vesak and Poson festivals despite the ongoing energy challenges linked to the Middle East conflict.
He stated that cultural and religious life must be safeguarded alongside economic priorities, while urging responsible energy use. “Organisers of large-scale private events have been encouraged to utilise generators or alternative power sources instead of relying on the national grid,” he said, adding that it is more efficient for the Government to manage electricity demand.
On Monday, the Commissioner-General of Essential Services issued guidelines to government institutions on energy conservation. Events with over 100 participants have been advised to depend on independent power sources, with the private sector also encouraged to follow similar practices to ease pressure on the national grid.
Dr. Jayatissa said countrywide religious programs will be organised with the support of the Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Ministry, Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Ministry and the Department of Buddhist Affairs.
