Upon a request made by Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Washington DC Mahinda Samarasinghe, Mayor Muriel Bowser of Washington D.C. has issued a Proclamation declaring 2 May 2026 as ‘Vesak Festival Day’ in Capital of the United States.

The Proclamation acknowledges that Vesak which is sacred for millions of Buddhist around the world is also observed by people of many faiths and the United Nations for its adherence to tolerance, compassion and service to humanity. It also recognizes that the District of Columbia and the United States is enriched by more than 3 million Buddhists residing in the country and highlights that the District of Columbia embraces the Buddhist vision of humanity grounded in peace, guided by grace and strengthened by wisdom.

Embassy of Sri Lanka

Washington D.C.

01.05.2026