Mahanayake Theras: Avoid mega celebrations this Vesak

The Mahanayake Theras of four chapters said in a joint statement yesterday that people should refrain from conducting mega Vesak celebrations that involved large public gatherings owing to the security situation prevalent in the country. 

Instead, they requested people to focus more on religious programmes aimed at spiritual development. 

The statement had been signed by Mahanayakes Most Ven. Thibbatuwave Sri Siththartha Sumangala Thera of Malwatta Chapter, Most Ven. Warakagoda Gnanarathana Thera of Asgiriya Chapter, Most Ven. Kotigoda Dammawasi Thera of Amarapura Nikaya and Most Ven. Napana Premasiri Thera of Ramanna Nikaya. 

They said Vesak was a thrice blessed event that marked the birth, enlightenment and demise of Lord Buddha. They said the event should be marked in a manner that would dispel fear triggered by the senseless terrorist attacks on April 21. They said the government was duty bound to ensure security at Buddhist places of worship. 

Buddhists were requested to organise their religious events under the instructions of the security authorities.