Political violence gives way to Vesak celebrations in Sri Lanka

Colombo, May 14 (newsin.asia):  After two days of arson and destruction, Sri Lankans are preparing to celebrate the Buddhist Festival of Vesak.

The Vesak Festival, which falls on May 15 this year, is one of the holiest festivals celebrated in Sri Lanka as it marks the birth, enlightenment and demise of Lord Buddha.

Here are photos by Gayan Sameera of Xinhua and Tang Lu of the preparations for Vesak and the destruction and the arson which preceded it earlier in the week.