Vesak Poya Date Shifted to May 30 in 2026 Amidst Political Allegations

The date for Vesak Poya in 2026 has been officially rescheduled from May 1st to May 30th. This alteration has drawn allegations from Most Venerable Kotapitiye Rahula Thero, who claims the change was influenced by political motives, potentially to avoid a clash with May Day celebrations. However, the Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs stated the revision was made after Tri-Nikaya Mahanayaka Theros requested the date be moved to May 30th, as the Visaka Nakatha (auspicious timing) aligns with this date, adhering to traditional customs. The decision received approval from the Cabinet and relevant religious councils.