Sri Lanka lifts nationwide curfew for Buddhist festival, Vesak

Sri Lankan authorities, on Sunday, decided to lift a nationwide curfew for 12 hours for the Buddhist festival, Vesak. A strict curfew was imposed across the island nation after violent protests against the government shook the country and clashes left nine dead and over 225 wounded.

As the Buddhist-majority nation is dipped in a grave economic crisis, protesters demanded the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Shortages of food, fuel, and medicines, along with record inflation and lengthy blackouts have ravaged the lives of the people there.

Vesak, observed on May 15, is one of the most important religious events in Sri Lanka. On this day, Buddhists celebrate the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha. 

But amid the tense situation, the government canceled its plans to mark the festival, which was scheduled to take place at a temple in the island's south.

"Given the economic situation of the government and other constraints, we are not having this year's state festival at the Kuragala temple as planned," a Buddhist Affairs ministry official.

The official also assured that Buddhists will be free to celebrate the festive day by performing the mass meditation and Buddhist sermons traditionally held during the festival.