A special discussion on the preliminary organizational arrangements for the festival was held yesterday afternoon (11) at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Sunil Handunnethth and Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.
The “Dakshina Prabha” National Vesak Festival will be held under the theme “Abhiththaretha Kalyane” from 27 May to 01 June 2026 in the areas around the city of Matara and the Midellawala Temple in Thihagoda.
Matara, regarded as one of the foremost centres of the Sri Lankan Buddhist revival, is a sacred city that produced many eminent Buddhist monks who helped illuminate and preserve the Buddha Sasana. The spiritual message and cultural heritage that Matara bestowed upon the nation through poetry and Buddhist scholarship continue to remain vibrant to this day.
Accordingly, the selection of Matara as the venue for this year’s National Vesak Festival is of special significance, as it seeks to showcase to the world the unparalleled pride of Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage while rekindling within the nation the profound spiritual message handed down through generations.
The “Dakshina Prabha” National Vesak Festival will consist of two main zones: the Prathipaththi Pooja Zone and the Amisa Pooja Zone. The Prathipaththi Pooja Zone will be centred in the historic Matara Fort area, while the Amisa Pooja Zone will be organised in and around the Matara town and Beach Park.
The Prathipaththi Pooja Zone will feature an exposition of Sacred Relics brought from the Nelligala International Buddhist Centre, Dhamma sermons and discussions conducted by renowned members of the Maha Sangha, as well as Kavi Bana, Dorakada Asna, almsgiving, Sil observances and meditation programmes.
The Amisa Pooja Zone will include a large Vesak pandal erected at the Fort area and city centre, a creative Vesak lantern competition at the Matara Beach Park, devotional music performances presented by the Tri-Forces and Police near Pigeon Island, as well as puppet shows and cultural performances highlighting the traditional arts of the Southern Province.
The festival will also feature several unique attractions, including modern technological displays showcasing Buddhist symbols and patterns in the night sky, Jataka story presentations through traditional Southern puppet theatre and digital screenings of Jataka stories and films across the city through LED display systems.
The Vesak lantern competition will be conducted under open and school categories, while the devotional song competitions will be held under state sector and school categories. Winners will be selected by a distinguished panel of judges based on creativity and quality.
The State Vesak Festival will commence on 27 May, while religious programmes including almsgiving, sil observances and meditation programmes will be held on Vesak Poya Day, which falls on 30 May. The State Vesak Festival will conclude on 01 June.
Extensive discussions were held regarding the organisational arrangements for the festival, including obtaining the support of Divisional Secretariats and voluntary organisations.
The Secretary to the President further highlighted the importance of ensuring the success of the Vesak Festival through the collective contribution of the public sector, private sector, Tri-Forces, Police and all relevant stakeholders.
Members of the Maha Sangha of the Matara District Sasanarakshak Balamandalaya, Deputy Minister of Power Arkam Ilyas, Media Adviser to the President Chandana Sooriyabandara, Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs ,R.M.G. Senarathna, officials of the Matara District, members of the business community and sponsors were also present at the occasion.
