Colombo, April 19 (NIA) – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive in Sri Lanka next month and will be the Chief Guest at the opening ceremony of the UN Vesak celebrations, Justice Minister Wijedasa Rajapakse said here Wednesday.
The UN Vesak celebrations will be held in capital Colombo and the Central Hills of Kandy between May 12 to 14.
Rajapakse said that the Indian Prime Minister had confirmed his attendance and he would be the Chief Guest at the opening ceremony which is scheduled be held at the BMICH in Colombo.
Nepali President Bidhya Devi Bhandari will attend the closing ceremony which is scheduled to be held at the Sri Dalada Maligawa premises in Kandy.
The UN Vesak Day will be observed in Sri Lanka to mark the birth, enlightenment and passing away of the Lord Buddha who founded the Buddhism religion.
Sri Lanka is predominately a Buddhist country with more than 70 percent of the population following the religion.
Rajapakse said the government had invited delegations from more than 85 countries and 72 countries had already confirmed their participation.