Dialog Brings Sri Lanka’s Largest Digital Vesak Experience to Matara, transforming the 2026 Dakshina Prabha National Vesak Zone into a technology-driven celebration that combined tradition, innovation, and cultural heritage.
Dialog Brings Sri Lanka’s Largest Digital Vesak Experience to Matara with AI, VR and 5G innovations
The three-day event attracted more than 100,000 visitors and showcased how advanced digital technologies can enhance religious and cultural experiences while preserving the essence of Vesak traditions for future generations.
Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s leading connectivity provider, partnered with the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs to deliver one of the country’s most technologically advanced Vesak celebrations. Held at the Dakshina Prabha National Vesak Zone in Matara, the event featured a range of interactive experiences powered by Dialog 5G Ultra, including artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), digital storytelling, and innovative connectivity solutions.
The official opening ceremony was attended by Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti, Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj, senior government officials, distinguished guests, and members of Dialog’s leadership team.
Among the most popular attractions was the Dialog 5G Ultra-powered Virtual Reality experience, which enabled more than 35,000 visitors to virtually visit sacred Buddhist sites from within the Vesak zone. Through immersive VR technology, devotees were able to pay homage to revered locations such as the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in India and the Atamasthana in Anuradhapura without leaving Matara.
The experience highlighted how technology can bridge geographical distances while offering meaningful spiritual engagement. Many visitors described the activation as a unique opportunity to connect with important Buddhist landmarks in a new and immersive way.
Dialog also introduced several AI-powered experiences during the celebrations. One of the key initiatives was the AI Digital Vesak Greeting Card Competition, conducted between 21 May and 1 June 2026. The competition attracted entries from across Sri Lanka, encouraging participants to combine creativity and technology in designing modern Vesak greetings.
Selected designs were displayed on 20 large LED screens positioned throughout the National Vesak Zone and key locations across Matara city. Visitors were also able to download the digital greeting cards directly to their mobile devices, extending the reach of the initiative beyond the event venue.
Another notable feature was the use of AI-powered Vesak storytelling, where traditional Jathaka Katha were digitally reimagined using emerging technologies. The initiative demonstrated how AI can be applied to preserve, modernize, and share important cultural and religious narratives with younger generations while maintaining their educational and spiritual value.
Adding a further interactive dimension to the celebrations, visitors had access to an AI Photo Booth that generated personalised Vesak-themed portraits. Participants could upload their own photographs and receive AI-enhanced images designed with Vesak-inspired themes and artistic elements, creating memorable digital keepsakes from the event.
Extending the traditional concept of giving during Vesak, Dialog introduced a special Data Dansala powered by its QR Reload platform. Visitors could receive complimentary mobile data simply by scanning QR codes located throughout the venue. Similar activations were also implemented at the Gangaramaya and Bauddhaloka Vesak zones in Colombo, enabling more people to benefit from free connectivity during the festive season.
Commenting on the initiative, Minister Sunil Handunnetti noted that the 2026 Dakshina Prabha Vesak Festival marked the first time AI-powered digital innovations had been incorporated into a National Vesak Festival in Sri Lanka. He stated that presenting Buddhist teachings and stories through technology created a new and engaging way for visitors to connect with cultural traditions while making them more accessible to modern audiences.
Dialog Group Chief Marketing Officer Lasantha Theverapperuma expressed appreciation to the Government of Sri Lanka for embracing digital innovation as part of the national celebrations. He noted that the company was honoured to support the event as the Official Digital Partner and to leverage Dialog 5G Ultra and AI capabilities to create meaningful experiences while preserving the cultural significance of Vesak traditions.
The initiative also reflected Dialog’s broader commitment to sustainability and community development. Beyond its digital activations, the company continued programmes such as the Thirasara Aloka Poojawa, which supports rural places of worship through solar-powered lighting solutions.
The announcement that Dialog Brings Sri Lanka’s Largest Digital Vesak Experience to Matara underscores the growing role of technology in enhancing cultural celebrations. Through Dialog 5G Ultra and innovative AI-powered Vesak experiences, the company successfully demonstrated how digital transformation can complement tradition, creating a unique and engaging celebration for thousands of devotees across Sri Lanka.