Devotees celebrate the festival of Buddha Purnima in Sri Lanka

Followers of Gautam Buddha mark Buddha Purnima with the important events in his life like birth, enlightenment and death. (Photo: AP)

A Sri Lankan Buddhist devotee carries flowers as he takes part in religious observances in a temple to mark Vesak full moon day or Buddha Purnima in Colombo.

Buddhist monks walk in a procession for alms as part of a ritual during Buddha Purnima in Colombo,

Sri Lankan Buddhist devotee take part in religious observances at a temple to mark Vesak full moon day or Buddha Purnima in Colombo.

A Sri Lankan Buddhist devotee offers prayers at a temple to mark Buddha Purnima.

Sri Lankan Buddhist devotees offer prayers at a temple to mark Vesak full moon day or Buddha Purnima.

A Sri Lankan Buddhist devotee prays as he takes part in religious observances at a temple to mark Buddha Purnima.

A novice Sri Lankan Buddhist monk stands with older monks for a procession for alms as part of a ritual during Buddha Purnima in Colombo.