The Ministry of Education has instructed schools, national colleges of education, pirivenas and teacher training colleges to declare a Vesak week from May 2 till May 8. The heads of above institutions have been requested by the Education Ministry Secretary to hold programmes on several topics, namely, Buddhism for a sustainable environment (which includes environment cleaning programmes), merits by observing Sil, Buddhism for a healthy life, right action and right speech, Sri Lankan arts, and Sinhala literature enriched by Buddhism. “Any sort of shows, sports or other such programmes that defame Buddhism should not be conducted during this period,” Ministry Secretary M N Ranasinghe said. He added that it is the responsibility of the Principals and officials to implement the programmes in a manner that religious harmony is built among students.