The Ministry of Buddha Sasana and Religious Affairs today retracted its statement urging the public to refrain from conducting pandals, lantern exhibitions and dansal on Vesak Poya Day (May 24).
In a surprising statement issued earlier today the ministry had stated that the public should only engage in religious observances on Vesak Poya Day and that pandals, lantern exhibitions and dansal should be conducted from May 25, the day after Vesak Poya Day.
However, issuing another statement shortly after, the Buddha Sasana and Religious Affairs Ministry changed its stance and stated that there is no obstruction to conducting pandals, dansal and Bhakthi Gee programmes on Vesak Poya Day.
However, it said that these activities should be organized under the supervision of the Grama Niladhari and the Chief Incumbent at the Buddhist temple in the area.
The ministry’s previous statement had sparked controversy as it had urged public to reserve musical shows, Vesak Bhakthi Gee and other activities for the day after Vesak Poya and to avoid loitering in groups without taking part in religious observances on Vesak Poya Day.
It had also stated that only ‘Maha Piritha’ and religious sermons (Dhamma Deshana) should be broadcasted at locations where dansal are held.
