According to official sources, the Mahanayake Theros had informed the President in writing on December 20 last year that the Vesak Full Moon should fall on May 30, 2026, in accordance with the appropriate Visa Nakath (astrological alignment).
The matter was further discussed at the All Island Shasanarakshaka Mandalaya meeting held on January 6, 2026. During the meeting, it was proposed that Vesak Poya Day be observed on May 30, with Vesak Week declared from May 27 to June 2, 2026.
Subsequently, the Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs, through the Secretary to the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, formally requested the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government on February 16, 2026, to officially declare the relevant public holidays.
Cabinet approval for these arrangements was granted on March 30, 2026, under decision number AMB/26/0553/822/018, based on a joint Cabinet memorandum submitted on March 16, 2026, by the Ministers of Public Administration and Buddhasasana.
Accordingly, the State Vesak Festival for the Buddhist Year 2570 will be held on May 27, 2026. The government has also confirmed that Vesak Week will be observed from May 27 to June 2, with May 30 designated as the official Vesak Full Moon Poya Day.
