Buddhist religious leaders and health authorities yesterday appealed to devotees not to flock to temples today on account of Bak Full Moon Poya Day. They urged the devotees to stay at home and engage in Ata Sil and other religious observances in view of the social distancing efforts needed to curb the COVID-19 pandemic. The Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation, ITN and the private TV channels as well as the radio stations have arranged to broadcast religious programmes throughout the day for the convenience of devotees. Some of these will be beamed in live from temples in various cities, but Chief Incumbents and organizers have strictly advised the public not to converge on such locations.
Likewise, Catholic and Christian religious leaders have exhorted their followers not to visit Churches during this Holy Week. Instead, the important Good Friday (April 10) and Easter Sunday events will be telecast live from some of the leading Churches. Muslim and Hindu religious dignitaries have made similar appeals to their faithful. In addition to the religious activities, the coming week would normally have also taken on a festive air as it includes the Sinhala and Tamil New Year on April 12 and 13.
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