The Tri-Nikaya Mahanayake Theros have submitted a letter to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake requesting a revision of the Vesak Full Moon Poya date for the year 2026.
According to the letter, two Pasaloswaka Poya days will fall in May 2026, on the 1st and the 30th. The calendar issued by the Ministry of Public Administration has currently designated May 1 as the Vesak Full Moon Poya, while May 30 of the same year has been declared the Adhi Poson Full Moon Poya.
However, the letter points out that since Visa Nekatha does not occur on May 1, there has been considerable debate within society regarding the recognition of that date as the Vesak Full Moon Poya.
It further states that, after seeking the views of the respective Sangha Sabhas and consulting the venerable monks of the three Nikayas who gave due attention to this matter, a decision was reached in accordance with ancient Shasana tradition. Accordingly, it was agreed to recognize May 30, which coincides with the Visa Nekatha, as the Vesak Poya Day.
The Mahanayake Theros have therefore emphasized that it is appropriate to officially declare May 30, 2026, as the Vesak Full Moon Poya Day and to instruct the relevant state authorities to conduct all traditional Shasana-related, religious, and state ceremonies associated with Vesak on that date.
