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Ceremony to pay homage to the sacred relics
The National Heritage Preservation Organization has organized an exhibition of sacred relics at the Sri Naga Viharaya in Jaffna on the occasion of the Poson festival of the year 2330 (2022). A sacred tribute was paid to the sacred relics on 10.06.2022 at the premises of the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Colombo 07.
Vidura Wickramanayake, Minister of Buddha Sasana Religious and Cultural Affairs, Somaratne Vidanapathirana, Secretary to the Ministry and Sunanda Kariyapperuma, Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs were also present at the occasion.
The sacred relics were taken in a procession to the Beira Lake Boundary at Gangarama Viharaya, Colombo 02 at 8.00 am and a special pooja was performed. Prof. Induragare Dhammaratana Thero, Hunupitiya Gangaramadhikari Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thero and other members of the Maha Sangha conducted the special pooja.

New Secretary Somaratne Vidanapathirana assumes duties
Somaratne Vidanapathirana assumed duties as the new Secretary to the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs at Sir Anagari Dharmapala Mawatha, Colombo 07 on today ( 25.05.2022. ) Mr. Vidanapathirana has served as the Special Grade Officer of the Sri Lanka Administrative Service as the District Secretary of Mannar, Vavuniya and Galle and as the Secretary to the Ministry of Wildlife and Wildlife Insurance. An alumnus of Ananda College, Colombo, Mr. Vidanapathirana holds a Bachelor's Degree in Management from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and a Postgraduate Degree in Economics from the University of Kelaniya.
The Most Venerable Diviyagaha Yasassi Nayaka Thero, Leader of the Chief Judicial Council of the New Korale, Colombo and other members of the Maha Sangha were also present on the occasion. The Hon. Vidura Wickramanayake, Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and all the Heads of Departments, Institutions and other dignitaries under the Ministry were present at this occasion.

Vesak religious ceremony in 2566 - Vesak Week - May 12 to May 18, 2022
The Government has declared May 12 to May 18, 2022 as the “Vesak Week” in view of the Vesak Festival which commemorates the Sambuddha Day.
Under the guidance of the All Ceylon Sasanarakshaka Board, the Ministry of Buddhasasana Religious and Cultural Affairs and the Department of Buddhist Affairs, with the assistance of Government and Non-Governmental Organizations including District Secretariats and Divisional Secretariats, have made arrangements to hold the Vesak Festival proudly throughout the island.
The 256th State Vesak Festival of the Year of the Buddha will be held on 14.05.2022 and 15 at the Balangoda Kuragala Rajamaha Viharaya in the Ratnapura District. Meaningful and effective programs will be implemented in temples, Dhamma schools, schools, governmental and non-governmental organizations under the full guidance of the Regional and District Sasanarakshaka Boards, giving priority to spiritual development.
2022.05.12 Buddhism for a Sustainable Environment
Conducting lectures and workshops on Buddhism and the environment to create a group of eco-friendly citizens based on the teachings of the Buddha, implementing awareness programs on environmental protection, cleaning temples, schools, public places, offices, houses etc., conducting labor donations, tree planting programs, Establishment of herbal gardens / forest gardens.
2022.05.13 Buddhism for a Healthy Life
Conducting lectures, workshops and seminars on how to lead a healthy life, promoting the cultivation and consumption of non-toxic local food crops, organizing free medical clinic programs, organizing blood donation programs, eye clinics, anti-drug, anti-smoking. Organizing programs.
2022.05.14 Sinhala Literature nurtured by Buddhism
To impart a better understanding of Sinhala literature to the present generation and to implement Dhamma Schools and school children's awareness programs on Sinhala literature nurtured on the basis of Buddhist philosophy and to conduct programs to motivate students for literary creation. Arrangements have been made to hold the state Vesak festival at the Kuragala Rajamaha Viharaya today.
2022.05.15 - Seela Bhawana Pinkama
As this day is the full moon day of Vesak, the practice of Seela Meditation Pinkams in all temples and the involvement of Dhamma Schools, school children and youth in these Pinkams should not be made a day of musical performances and festivities and should be taken as a full fledged religious day for the Sambuddha festival. We request the Maha Sangha and the Sasanalaya to make the contributing community aware.
2022.05.16 Hela art nurtured by Buddhism
Conducting lectures, seminars, workshops and conducting cultural and religious programs at night to give a better understanding of ancient Buddhist arts and crafts. Morning Sadaham tour programs Pindapatha Pinkam and in the afternoon programs on art and Buddhism, dansals, night pandals, devotional performances, lanterns, educational and archeological exhibitions, Buddhist dramas based on Jataka stories. (NB, for whatever reason, shows, games, etc. that are disrespectful to the Lord Buddha and Buddhism should be avoided.)
2022.05.17 Career based on Buddhism
Conducting programs based on temples or institutions including seminars and lectures on the support of Buddhism for a good career. (Contacting religious businessmen or professionals to impart knowledge and experience to those engaged in various professions.)
2022.05.18 Economic and social development nurtured by Buddhism
Conducting lectures, seminars, workshops on the contribution of Buddhisam for economic and social development, and conducting programs to strengthen the economic level of the Buddhist community.
We kindly request that a banner be displayed in front of all temples and in other suitable places to make the public aware. The specifications of that banner are as follows.
The banner should be 08 feet long and 4 feet wide.
The background of the banner should be light yellow and the letters should be maroon.
Vesak religious ceremony in 2566
"Bhajetha Mitte Kalyane"
(Let's associate with Kalan friends)
Let's celebrate Sambudhu Temagula with all our hearts
Vesak Week 2022 May 12 - May 18
................................................. Local Sasanarakshaka Board
................................................. Temple