Buddhist Delegation Arrives in Sri Lanka to Inform President and Government of 2026 International Vesak Celebration in Texas, USA
A Buddhist delegation arrived in Sri Lanka today (28) to formally inform the President of Sri Lanka and the Government regarding the 2026 International Vesak Celebration to be held in Texas, United States.
The delegation arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake today and was warmly received by Ven. Dr. Pannila Sri Ananda Nayaka Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Aththanagalla Arhat Rajamaha Viharaya, Member of Parliament Ashoka Ranwala, Commissioner General of Rehabilitation Major General Darshana Hettiarachchi and others. Venerable Wimalakitthi Thero of Melpitiya and a group of leading monks arrived in the country.
Speaking at the event, Member of Parliament Ashoka Ranwala noted that a Buddhist delegation led by Venerable Melpitiye Wimalakeerthi Thero had visited Sri Lanka to announce that the state of Texas in the United States will host the International Vesak Celebration in 2026. He stated that this opportunity was granted as a result of long-standing Dharma propagation efforts in the region and that the celebration is expected to span seven days.
He further highlighted that this occasion presents an opportunity for Sri Lanka and the state of Texas to jointly showcase Sri Lanka’s Buddhist traditions, rituals, and values to the international community. He described this as a significant moment for collaboration between Colombo and Texas.
Due to the tireless efforts of Theravāda, Mahāyāna, and Vajrayāna monks who have visited the United States over nearly a century, the teachings of the Buddha and meditation practices have been successfully introduced to American citizens and others. As a result of these noble efforts, the State of Texas officially recognized Vesak Day on May 15, 2025.
Over the past two years, the Texas Vihara has hosted international Tripitaka recitation ceremonies (Sajjhāya) with participation from monks around the world. In 2025, a ten-day event involving over 200 monks was successfully held, sparking significant spiritual awakening among Americans and other attendees.
The State Vesak Festival in Texas is scheduled to be held from May 2 to 10, 2026, with the participation of over 200 Buddhist monks and several distinguished state guests. Alongside the celebrations, a sacred relic exposition is expected to take place, symbolising the physical presence of the Buddha. In addition, a major project has been launched to construct a US$200 million stupa, within which 840 marble stone (Kirigarunda) stupas will be enshrined, featuring Tripitaka inscriptions in 10 different languages.