The Archaeological Exhibition opens in line with the festival.
The State Vesak festival was inaugurated with the blessing of the Maha Sangha, under the patronage of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, with the participation of foreign envoys including Ambassadors, Ministers and MPs, and government officials today (21.05.2024) at Dharmaraja Piriven Temple in Matale.
Maha Sangha of three sects ( nikayas) including Ven. Niyangoda Vijitasiri Thera Anu Nayaka of the Shyamopali Maha Nikaya of Malwathu Chapter, Ven. Anamaduve Dhammadassi Thera Anu Nayaka of the Shyamopali Maha Nikaya of Asgiri Chapter, Ven. Enderamulle Amaramoli Tissa Thera, Maha Nayaka of Ariyawansa Saddhamma Yuththika Chapter of Amarapura Nikaya, Ven. Matale Kusaladhamma Thera, Anu Nayaka of Sri Lanka Ramanya Maha Nikaya, Dr. Inamaluwe Sri Sumangala Thera Maha Nayaka of the Rangiri Dambulu Vihara Chapter of Siam Nikaya, Ven. Malwane Pangnasara Thera Maha Nayaka of Sri Kalyani Samagri Dharma Maha Sangha Sabha, Ven. Kosgolle Seelarathana Thera Chief Sanghanayaka of Matale District Asgiri Chapter of Siam Maha Nikaya, clergy of other religions, Minister of Buddha Sasana Religious and Cultural Affairs Vidura Wickramanayake, Central Province Governor Lalith U. Gamage, State Minister Shantha Bandara, MPs Nalaka Bandara Kottegoda, Yadamini Gunawardena, Gunathilaka Rajapaksha, Rohini Kaviratne, Diyawadana Nilame Nilanga Dela Bandara, Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean Ambassadors, High Commissioner of Pakistan, Assistant High Commissioner of India, Secretary to the Ministry of Buddha Sasana Somarathne Vidanapathirana, government officials and many devotees participated in this event.
(Photograph – Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong enquires about an ancient Buddha Statue.)
Prime Minister’s Media