The festival, scheduled to be held from May 27 to June 1, will include a Sacred Relic exposition featuring relics brought from the Nelligala International Buddhist Centre.
According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), visitors will also be able to witness digital screenings of Jataka stories and films displayed across Matara city using LED display systems.
Traditional Southern puppet theatre performances depicting Jataka stories and modern technological displays showcasing Buddhist symbols and patterns in the night sky are also planned as part of the celebrations.
The Amisa Pooja Zone will feature a large Vesak pandal in the Fort area and city centre, while a creative Vesak lantern competition will be organised at the Matara Beach Park.
In addition, devotional music performances by the Tri-Forces and Police are scheduled to take place near Pigeon Island.
The festival’s religious programmes will include Dhamma sermons, discussions by members of the Maha Sangha, Kavi Bana programmes, Dorakada Asna, almsgiving, Sil observances and meditation programmes.
Officials said the National Vesak Festival aims to showcase Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage while reviving the spiritual message passed down through generations.
