ANCL's Amadahara Vesak Zone-cynosure of all eyes

The Amadahara Vesak Zone organised by the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited (ANCL) for the 23rd year in succession was inaugurated by ANCL Chairman and veteran journalist Bandula Padmakumara along with senior officials of the company and Sri Lanka Telecom, the sponsor of the event.

Here ANCL Chairman and Managing Director, Bandula Padmakumara lights the traditional oil lamp to inaugurate the Amadahara Vesak Zone on Friday, while the Chief Marketing and Sales Officer of Sri Lanka Telecom, Ajantha Seneviratne and CIO of Sri Lanka Telecom, Rohana Wijeweera look on. (Right): A section of the gathering. Pic: Sudath Nissantha

Over 120 persons are participating in the Vesak lantern competition. Lanterns made by them will be on display at the Amadahara Vesak Zone opposite Lake House until today.

TV Derana and FM Derana are the electronic media sponsors of the event. The Vesak Zone comprises a Vesak lantern competition, Bakthi Gee recital, dansala and many other features, which have received the pride of place among the Vesak Zones in Colombo. The dansala is organised by the Lake House Buddhist Society.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, ANCL Editorial Director Seelaratna Senarath said the participation of thousands of devotees at the Amadahara Vesak Zone and the Vesak lantern competition, shows the confidence of the public in Lake House. He said President Mahinda Rajapaksa feels the pulse of the people. "Vesak is celebrated in villages and cities alike. A lantern is lit in all houses on Vesk Full Moon Day", he said.

He said ANCL under the dynamic leadership of Chairman, Bandula Padmakumara gives prominence to Buddhism while ensuring the rights of followers of other religions in the company. He said the company seeks the blessings of Buddhist monks whenever it ventures into a new program. Presidential Coordinating Secretary and Director Operations ANCL, Upul Dissanayake, Administration and Legal Director ANCL, Rasanga Harischandra and Company Secretary, Kumudu Gunawardena were also present.