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Mark Vesak on low-key owing to flood situation: Govt.
This year’s Vesak celebrations will be decidedly low-key in view of the floods that have claimed scores of lives and left over 300,000 displaced.
The Government has also appealed to the public to be mindful of the needs of those who have been affected by the inclement weather that prevailed throughout this week.
While the National Vesak Festival in Hambantota is taking place as scheduled, the festival will be limited in scope in view of the current situation.
Buddhasana Ministry Secretary Wasantha Ekanayake said the Government recognises that even after the flood waters subside, those who have been affected will not be able to get back on their feet immediately.
“We are talking about people who have lost their families, their homes. They have a long, hard road ahead of them,” he pointed out.
Mr. Ekanayake said given this situation, an appeal is made to the people to assist those from their areas who have been affected, in any way they can. Everything from providing cooked meals, dry rations and other necessary items is welcome as it would make this Vesak all the more meaningful. The theme of this year’s Vesak should be focused on helping neighbours in their hour of need, it was further emphasised.
The Ministry of Buddhasasana also called upon people to refrain from extravagantly spending on Vesak celebrations and instead channel such funds for relief efforts.
Mr. Ekanayake said the Ministry was not asking people to stop dansals this Vesak, but said it hoped organisers would take steps to either supply the meals to those who have been affected by floods or to donate funds or items collected for the said dansals to relief efforts that were now ongoing.
The Government greatly appreciated steps taken by the people to donate to relief efforts in any way they could, he further said.
The Government has however, requested people to stop trying to visit the areas which have been most affected by the flooding, even to render assistance, as this was hampering relief efforts that were currently ongoing.