Amadahara to reflect glamour of Vesak

by Ananda Kannangara

The glamour of Vesak in the city of Colombo will be again reflected with fascinating Vesak lanterns, pandals, illuminations, Buddhist flags and colourful decorations at the `Amadahara Vesak Zone' opposite the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd (Lake house) from May 1-3.

`Amadahara Vesak Zone', will cover the areas surrounding the Sambuddhaloka Temple, Fort, Lake House roundabout, D.R. Wijewardene Mawatha, Chittampalam A. Gardiner Mawatha, Fort, Pettah, Presidential Secretariat, Lotus Road and Slave Island.

Leading public and private sector institutions, including the Sri Lanka Air Force, Ports Authority, Telecom, Postal Department, National Housing Authority, C.W. Mackie, Inland Revenue Department, Fort Police Station, Laksala, Railway Department, Bank of Ceylon, People's Bank, World Market and some State and private sector bankers will assist Lake House to conduct the program on a grand scale.

In addition, Dhamma sermons, Bhakthi Gee programs, lantern competitions and blood donation campaigns will be the main features at the `Amadahara Vesak Zone' program.

Media Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa will be the chief guest on the first day of the program, conducted to mark the 2551st Buddha Jayanthi festival.

The first day's proceedings will commence at 6.30 pm. ANCL Acting Chairman Sarath Kongahage thanked all public and private sector institutions, voluntary organisations, Buddhist Societies and Buddhist temples in Colombo for their invaluable support towards the program. The Lake House Buddhist Society, several other Buddhist organisations and institutions will provide food and drinks at dansalas.

The Ambalangoda traditional puppet show organisers and the Tower Hall Thetre Foundation will present special Vesak programs.

The Independent Television Network and Lakhanda Radio will air the Program".