Sri Lanka today celebrated Vesak Poya Day, commemorating the birth, enlightenment and Mahaparinirvana of Lord Buddha. The week-long National Vesak Festival is being held at the historic Midellawela Purana Viharaya in Matara, drawing thousands of devotees for religious observances.

Colourful Vesak lanterns and decorations have illuminated homes, streets and public buildings across the island nation. More than two thousand dansals, offering free food and refreshments, have been organised nationwide as part of the celebrations. Traditional Perahera processions and devotional Bhakti Gee programmes have also marked the occasion.

Highlighting the deep civilisational ties between India and Sri Lanka, a photo exhibition titled “Buddhist Heritage of India” has been organised by the High Commission of India and the Consulate General of India in Hambantota. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake inaugurated the exhibition and addressed the opening ceremony of the National Vesak Festival.

The exhibition showcases sacred Buddhist sites in India, including Bodh Gaya, Sarnath and Kushinagar, and underscores the enduring spiritual and cultural links between the two countries rooted in the teachings of Lord Buddha.