Commemorating the 2569th Buddha Jayanthi, National Vesak Week begins today (10) and continues until the 16th of May. The official State Vesak Festival, organized by several religious and government institutions, is centered in the Nuwara Eliya District under the theme “Let us associate with virtuous noble friends.” As part of the celebration, a special Dharma Yatra with Thai monks concludes in Nuwara Eliya today. Several temple development projects will also be carried out with military support. Meat shops, liquor stores, casinos, and betting centers across the country will be closed on May 12, 13, and 14 in observance of the sacred week.