Indonesian Theravada Monks Arrive for Vesak Celebrations

COLOMBO (News 1st) - A group of Theravada Buddhist monks from Indonesia has arrived in Sri Lanka to take part in Vesak Day celebrations.

The group includes four leading monks and was welcomed at the Katunayake International Airport by officials from the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.

The National Vesak Week began yesterday under the theme "Let's keep in touch with friends" and will continue until the 16th of this month.

Meanwhile, the Public Health Inspectors Union Sri Lanka says that 8,712 Vesak Dansals have been registered across the island.

Its Chairman, Upul Rohana, said that inspections of the Dansals will begin today.

Further, The Excise Department announced that all liquor shops across the island will be closed for three days starting tomorrow in view of Vesak.

Meat shops will also remain closed during this period.

Meanwhile, the Department of Prisons stated that inmates will be granted a special opportunity to receive visitors on the occasion of Vesak Full Moon Poya Day.

These special visiting hours will be in effect tomorrow and the day after.