May 11, Colombo: Sri Lanka Tourism together with the Bentota Hoteliers Association has organized a series of events under the project ' Vesak Celebrations 08', on May 19th and 20th in Beruwela and Bentota to celebrate the Vesak. The programmes are designed to attract local and foreign visitors to the coastal towns of Beruwela and Bentota.

The most celebrated Buddhist event in the world, Vesak which falls on the full moon day of the month of May is celebrated as a religious and a cultural festival in Sri Lanka. Vesak commemorates the threefold event of the Birth, Enlightenment, and Passing of the Buddha.

Commencing on May 19th, with a meditation session at the Island Temple, Beruwela, there will also be a sermon on Buddhism in English continuing with the cultural celebrations at the Urban Development Authority Grounds (UDA).

At the UDA premises, there will be competitions to adjudge the best choir in Bakthi Gee, the most innovative lantern and the most creative Vesak greeting card. All activities are designed to engage village communities whose main livelihood depends on tourism. A special attraction will be the presentation of devotional songs by professional artistes and musicians.

On May 20, events will begin with a sermon on Buddhism delivered in German followed by the distribution of awards to the winners of all competitions. Chanting of Pirith and singing of devotional songs from a specially illuminated barge on the Bentota River is a highlight of the celebrations.

The All Ceylon Buddhist Congress will lead in Dana Pinkama (alms) with Buddhist sermons taking priority over lay activities.

In Colombo, the main focus of the celebrations will be at Bauddhaloka Mawatha (Bullers Road). The area surrounding Temple Trees which has been recognized as a Vesak Zone is also to be illuminated with Pandols and lanterns. Baudhaloka Mawatha up to Borella Junction and Reid Avenue will also be illuminated and will present many photo opportunities.

The traditional roadside Dana Salas will offer free refreshments to pedestrians. Dances and puppet shows will also be part of the events of the week of Vesak. Observing the principals of Buddhism, known as Prathipaththi Pooja, will play a vital role in the lives of many. White-clad devotees will seek to renounce worldly things of life, for the day in observing the eight precepts illustrated by the Buddha in the path to renunciation of worldly life.

Kalutara Bodhiya, Kiriwehera, Kataragama, Dharmayathanaya, Maharagama and the YMBA Colombo are but a few of the many religious places that have organized Sil campaigns for the coming Vesak Poya Day.

In Srawasthripura, Anuradhapura, festivities with state patronage will take place under the leadership of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Moral Upliftment.