Colombo: The annual Vesak festival was ceremoniously declared open this evening by the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyakontha (Retd), marking the beginning of a grand event organized by Sirasa TV and the Capital Maharaja Group. This highly anticipated festival aims to foster spiritual reflection, cultural appreciation, and communal harmony during one of the most revered occasions in the Buddhist calendar.

According to Ministry of Defence, a special procession of sacred relics set the tone for the celebrations, enriching the spiritual significance of the festival. The event also features the ‘Vesak Thorana’ with vibrant artistic illuminations, a Vesak Bakthi Geetha show with performances by esteemed artists and choirs, and multiple Dansal offering free food and refreshments to devotees, reinforcing the core values of Vesak. In a unique addition to this year’s event, the Department of Archaeology has curated an exhibition featuring historical Buddhist artifacts, allowing visitors to connect wi
th Sri Lanka’s rich religious heritage.

At the inauguration of the Vesak Zone, the Defence Secretary underscored the significance of preserving Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage and promoting cultural unity through such initiatives. He commended the efforts of Sirasa TV and the Capital Maharaja Group in organizing a meaningful celebration that allows the public to engage in religious devotion and communal activities.

The Vesak Zone will be open to the public daily from 06:30 PM onwards until May 15 at Braybrooke Place, Colombo 2, providing an immersive experience of religious observances, artistic displays, and acts of generosity.