A special letter from the Mahanayaka Theros to the President regarding the determination of the Vesak Full Moon Poya Day in the year 2026

To resolve a situation that has arisen regarding the dates of Vesak Full Moon Poya Day in the year 2026, the Mahanayaka Theros of the Three Chapters have sent a special letter to His Excellency President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. According to the calendar currently published by the Ministry of Public Administration, May 01, 2026, has been designated as Vesak Poya, and May 30 as Adhi Poson Poya.

However, due to the occurrence of two full moon poya days in May 2026, and the traditional Visa Nakatha (constellation) not falling on May 01, the Theros point out that some uncertainty has been created in society regarding this matter.

The Mahanayaka Theros emphasize that the celebration of Vesak Poya, which commemorates the Triple Event of the Buddha (birth, enlightenment, and passing away), should be observed on the full moon day when the Visa Nakatha falls, according to ancient Buddhist traditions. As it has been confirmed, according to the Buddhavamsa Pali, that the birth of Prince Siddhartha, his enlightenment, and his passing away (Parinirvana) all occurred under the Visa Nakatha, recognizing the day on which this Nakatha falls as Vesak is of utmost religious significance. Accordingly, after examining the facts, the unanimous decision of the Karaka Maha Sangha Sabha, led by the Mahanayaka Theros of the Three Chapters, and the astrological experts, is that it is more appropriate to designate the full moon poya day falling on May 30, 2026, when the Visa Nakatha occurs, as Vesak Poya.

Therefore, the Mahanayaka Theros request the President to revise the currently designated dates and officially declare May 30, 2026, as Vesak Full Moon Poya Day at the state level. The letter further states that instructions should be given to the relevant state officials to implement this change, thereby ensuring that ancient religious and spiritual activities can be carried out correctly. The Mahanayaka Theros of the Malwathu, Asgiri, Amarapura, and Ramanna Chapters have signed this letter.