Sri Lankans mark sacred Buddhist holiday at home

Sri Lanka's majority Buddhists celebrated Vesak _ the most important religious festival of the year _ in low key because of the virus outbreak, as the government released 228 prisoners to mark the event.

Vesak marks the birth, enlightenment, and the death of the Gauthama Buddha. The event is also marked in Thailand and Myamnar. 

Sri Lanka's first virus patient was a Chinese woman, who later recovered and was sent back to China.

The Health Ministry has canceled all celebrations and mass gatherings. Buddhist temples were deserted on Friday and Thursday as monks requested devotees to observe the holiday at home. Vesak marks the birth, enlightenment and death of Lord Buddha.