Mahanayaka Theras, President, PM to participate in State Vesak Festival

Chamikara WEERASINGHE

The State Vesak Festival and Sambuddhathva Jayanthi celebrations will be held on May 14 at Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Premises in Anuradhapura to mark the 2600th year of the Enlightenment of The Buddha.

The Mahanayaka Theras of Asgiri, Malwatte and Amarapura Chapters will officiate at the Sambuddhathva Jayanthi celebrations.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Prime Minister D M Jayaratne will participate in the event in Anuradhpapura. President Rajapaksa is expected to declare a Vesak Week from May 14 to 21.

A Sambuddhatva Year will be declared on this occasion with the unveiling of a Sambuddhathva statue, said officials at the Buddha Sasana and Religious Affairs Ministry.

President Rajapaksa will also release special Sumbuddhathva Jayanthi commemorative coins and stamps to mark the event.

The Buddhist Affairs Department said, special Vesak programmes will also take place on May 17at historic Matara Kotikagoda Rajamaha Viharaya.

Vesak procession will start from Matara Bodhiya at 7 pm on May 21.

Special Vesak programmes will be held at Gangarama Hunupitya, under the patronage of the President’s Office.