The annual Sri Pada Pilgrimage season ends with the Vesak Poya today (May 12) following religious observances.

The season commenced on the Unduwap Full Moon Poya Day on December 14, 2024.

Hundreds of thousands of devotees joined in the pilgrimage during the past five months.

A special presidential pardon has been granted to 388 inmates islandwide, in view of Vesak 2025.

Inmates aged 65 or above who have served at least half of their sentence will also have the remainder of their sentence waived.

Prison Media Spokesman, Commissioner Gamini B. Dissanayake, yesterday, said that 388 inmates, including 04 women, would be released today under a special presidential pardon.

Among them are 40 from the Welikada Prison, 38 from the Wariyapola Prison, 36 from Anuradhapura Prison and 30 from the Mahara prison.

In addition, the Department of Prisons has also announced a special arrangement permitting open visits for inmates in view of Vesak Poya Day.

This opportunity will be available on May 12 and 13, the Department of Prisons announced.
 
The Department added that arrangements will be made to provide each inmate with a food parcel, a packet of sweets and a personal hygiene kit brought by the inmate’s relatives.
 
These visits will be permitted across all prisons in the country, by adhering to necessary health guidelines.

The holy ‘Vesak Poya Day’ is celebrated today (May 12).

Buddhists all over the world celebrate the Vesak Full Moon Poya Day today (May 12).

Buddhists commemorate Siddhartha Gautama’s birth, the enlightenment of the Buddha, and the passing away on the Vesak Full Moon Poya Day.

Vesak Poya Day holds special significance for Sri Lanka as it marks the day when Lord Buddha visited Kelaniya at the invitation of Naga King Maniakkhika.

Additionally, other important events in Sri Lankan history took place on Vesak Full Moon Poya Day, including the arrival of Prince Vijaya and the commencement of the construction of Ruwanweli Seya by King Dutugemunu.

Vesak Festival Celebrations Organised by the Presidential Secretariat

Festivities around SL

The National Vesak Festival is currently underway in Nuwara Eliya.

Meanwhile, the Presidential Secretariat has also organised a series of events to mark this year’s Vesak festival. 

Under the patronage of the Presidential Secretariat, a Bakthi Ghee recital will be held from 12th to 16th May in the vicinity of the Presidential Secretariat. The concert will feature performances by school children, members of the tri-forces and Civil Security Department personnel, as well as popular vocal artists.

Additionally, the Presidential Secretariat in collaboration with the armed forces has made arrangements to operate rice dansal on 12th and 13th May, and refreshment stalls from 12th to 16th May in the area surrounding the Presidential Secretariat.

Coinciding with the Gangarama Buddha Rashmi Vesak Zone and Buddhaloka Vesak Zone celebrations, numerous programmes have been organised including the illumination of buildings and streets with decorative lighting around the Secretariat premises, along with exhibitions of traditional Vesak lanterns (pahan koodu).

“Unite with determination and diligence to achieve this noble vision”

In his Vesak Day message, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake called on the public to build a prosperous nation rooted in selflessness, equality and social justice, fulfilling the aspirations of the people for a “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life.” 

“Let us unite with determination and diligence to achieve this noble vision,” he said.

He further emphasized that the teachings of the Buddha are not merely religious but a path to inner development, guiding humanity toward moral and intellectual growth.

The President highlighted that Buddhist philosophy offers profound insights into good governance, noting that when a nation’s leader governs with justice and virtue, the people prosper in peace.