A Vesak Zone to be hosted for the first time within the tourist destination of Ambuluwaawa-
To mark the Vesak Full Moon Poya Day this year, the Ambuluwaawa Religious and Biodiversity Complex will unveil a unique Vesak Zone on May 29, 30, and 31, in celebration of its 30th anniversary. Accordingly, creators from across the island are invited to showcase their Vesak lantern creations, while opportunities will also be provided for performances of folk drama, devotional songs, Virindu singing, and children’s art exhibitions. Participants will also stand a chance to receive valuable cash prizes.
The Vesak Zone will extend from the entrance of Ambuluwaawa up to the iconic Ambuluwaawa Tower, covering nearly three kilometres. Visitors will have the opportunity to witness creatively illuminated thoranas lit with over 30,000 bulbs, a large-scale lantern exhibition, and 500 traditional Atapattam lanterns.
A series of cultural events including Buddhist dramas, devotional song performances, Virindu recitals, and a children’s art exhibition will also be held throughout the festival period.
At a time when people across the world are yearning for peace, the Ambuluwaawa Religious and Biodiversity Complex aims to provide visitors with the opportunity to experience the teachings of Buddhism, peace, and harmony in a practical and meaningful way while enjoying the spiritual atmosphere of the Vesak celebrations.
Adding blessings to the Ambuluwaawa Sambuddhaloka Vesak Zone, members of the Tri-Nikaya Maha Sangha, senior Buddhist clergy from the area, the Diyawadana Nilame of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Pradeep Nilanga Dela, and officials representing several major devalayas are also expected to participate in the event.
In addition, free refreshment stalls including ice cream and coffee dansals will be available throughout the festival for all visitors attending the Ambuluwaawa Sambuddhaloka Vesak Zone.
Commenting on the organization of the Vesak Zone, Most Venerable Wedaruwe Upali Anunayake Thero, of the Asgiriya Chapter of the Maha Vihara Vanshika Syamopali Maha Nikaya, stated: “At a time when people across the world are crying out for peace, it is truly heartening that the sacred teachings of Lord Buddha, the great leader of peace to all three worlds, can be spread across the globe from the Ambuluwaawa tourist zone.”
As part of the 30th anniversary celebrations of Ambuluwaawa, foundation stones were recently laid for the construction of an international meditation centre as well as an internationally standardised library named after Niyangoda Vijithasiri Anunayake Thero.
Furthermore, an all-night Pirith chanting ceremony and a midday almsgiving for members of the Maha Sangha, including the Anunayake Theros of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters, the Mahanayake of the Amarapura Maha Sangha Sabha, Most Venerable Karagoda Uyangoda Maithree Moorthi Mahanayake Thero, and the Mahanayake of the Ramanna Nikaya, Most Venerable Makulewe Wimala Mahanayake Thero, were also conducted.
Established in 1996 under the initiative of former Minister of Agriculture, Lands and Forestry, D.M. Jayaratne, the Ambuluwaawa Religious and Biodiversity Centre is situated approximately 3,765 feet above sea level and spans over 212 hectares of land. Managed under Act No. 44 of 2009, the complex operates under the supervision of the Auditor General’s Department and relevant state ministries.
Under the leadership of Chairman Anuradha Jayaratne, the institution has achieved remarkable financial growth between 2019 and 2024, increasing its revenue by 21 times, while capital assets have grown from LKR 372 million to LKR 1.4 billion.
