Buddhists worldwide celebrate Esala Full Moon Poya Day

Published

10 months ago

July 20, 2024

editor

Today marks Esala Full Moon Poya Day, a significant day in the Buddhist calendar.

This day commemorates several key events in the life of the Buddha and the history of Buddhism.

On this day, Prince Siddhartha renounced his royal life to become an ascetic in search of liberation from suffering.

It was also on an Esala Full Moon Poya Day that the Buddha delivered his first sermon, the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, setting the Wheel of Dhamma in motion.

Other notable events on this day include the conception of Prince Siddhartha, the beginning of the Vassana season for monks, and the Buddha’s visit to Thusitha Heaven to preach to his mother.

The first Buddhist Council was also held on an Esala Poya Day, as was the birth of Prince Rahula.

In Sri Lanka, Esala Poya is particularly notable for the first local ordination of a Sri Lankan, Prince Arittha, under Arahant Mahinda following the introduction of Buddhism.

Additionally, the foundation for the celebrated Mahastupa (Ruwanvelisaya) was laid and its relics enshrined by King Dutugemunu on this day.

Sri Lankan Buddhists honor Esala Poya with ceremonies and festivals, including the famous Kandy Esala Perahera.

The day also marks the start of the annual rains retreat for monks, known as ‘Vas,’ beginning the day after Esala Poya.

Monks who miss this initial start are allowed to commence the ‘late Vas’ on the next Poya day, Nikini (August).

8,742 Vesak Dansals registered islandwide

Published

4 hours ago

May 12, 2025

editor

The Public Health Inspectors (PHI)’s Union states that a total of 8,742 Dansals have been registered islandwide, in line with Vesak celebrations this year.

According to the PHI’s Union chairman – Upul Rohana, the highest number of ‘Dansal’ is registered in the Western Province, particularly in the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) area.

The union has also urged organiser to reduce the use of polythene and plastic during food distribution efforts.

Financial assistance from President’s Fund for Gerandi Ella bus accident victims

Published

5 hours ago

May 12, 2025

editor

A sum of Rs. 1 million from the President’s Fund will be granted for each individual who lost their life in the Kotmale bus accident, the President’s Media Division states.

President Anura Kumara Disanayake has directed that a sum of Rs. 1 million be granted from the President’s Fund to each individual who lost their life in the tragic bus accident that occurred early this morning (11) in the Garadiella area, Kotmale.

Accordingly, arrangements have been made to promptly disburse these funds to the next of kin of the deceased through the President’s Fund.

In addition to this assistance, compensation will also be provided to the affected families through the Sri Lanka Transport Board and relevant insurance schemes.

Meanwhile, authorities continue to investigate the cause of the accident, which has claimed 22 lives so far.

(Pic : Accident1st)

News

Maxwell gets 5-yr. ban

Published

5 hours ago

May 12, 2025

editor

Former Secretary of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL) Maxwell de Silva was handed a five-year ban, sources revealed.

Earlier, De Silva was suspended by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Ministry of Sports due to various irregularities committed by him over several years.

Accordingly, the NOCSL Executive Committee decided to hand down a five-year ban on De Silva, considering the recommendations made by the NOCSL Ethics Committee, NOCSL President Suresh Subramaniam told the Daily Mirror.

Subramaniam further stated that the penalty on De Silva has already been communicated in writing to the IOC.

Accordingly, the former secretary, who has been banned for five years, is now completely prohibited from representing the NOCSL at any foreign event or international conference.

(dailymirror.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by dailymirror.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)