– A unique Vesak Zone will be introduced for the first time within the Ambuluwaawa Tourist Destination, as the Ambuluwaawa Religious and Biodiversity Complex prepares to host special celebrations on May 29, 30, and 31 to mark Vesak Full Moon Poya Day and its 30th anniversary.

The new Vesak Zone, which will extend from the entrance of Ambuluwaawa up to the iconic Ambuluwaawa Tower covering nearly three kilometres, is expected to feature a wide range of cultural, religious, and artistic displays. Creators from across the island have been invited to showcase Vesak lantern creations, while opportunities will also be provided for folk drama, devotional songs, Virindu singing, and children’s art exhibitions. Participants will also stand a chance to win valuable cash prizes.

Visitors will be able to experience creatively illuminated thoranas lit with over 30,000 bulbs, a large-scale lantern exhibition, and around 500 traditional Atapattam lanterns displayed along the route.

A series of cultural performances, including Buddhist dramas, devotional song recitals, Virindu performances, and children’s art exhibitions, will be staged throughout the three-day festival. Free refreshment stalls, including ice cream and coffee dansals, will also be available for visitors.

The organisers said the Vesak Zone aims to promote peace, harmony, and Buddhist values at a time when the world is in need of spiritual reflection and unity.

Commenting on the initiative, Most Venerable Wedaruwe Upali Anunayake Thero of the Asgiriya Chapter of the Maha Vihara Vanshika Syamopali Maha Nikaya said it is encouraging that the teachings of Lord Buddha, regarded as a message of peace to the world, are being shared through the Ambuluwaawa tourist zone.

As part of the 30th anniversary celebrations, foundation stones have already been laid for the construction of an international meditation centre and an internationally standardised library named after Niyangoda Vijithasiri Anunayake Thero.

In addition, an all-night Pirith chanting ceremony and a midday almsgiving for members of the Maha Sangha were recently held, attended by senior monks including Anunayake Theros of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters, the Mahanayake of the Amarapura Maha Sangha Sabha, Most Venerable Karagoda Uyangoda Maithree Moorthi Thero, and the Mahanayake of the Ramanna Nikaya, Most Venerable Makulewe Wimala Thero.

Established in 1996 under the initiative of former Minister D.M. Jayaratne, the Ambuluwaawa Religious and Biodiversity Centre is located at an altitude of approximately 3,765 feet and spans over 212 hectares. Managed under Act No. 44 of 2009, the complex operates under the supervision of the Auditor General’s Department and relevant state institutions.

Under the leadership of Chairman Anuradha Jayaratne, the institution has recorded significant financial growth between 2019 and 2024, with revenue increasing 21-fold and capital assets rising from LKR 372 million to LKR 1.4 billion.