Amadahara Vesak Zone from May 1

Amadahara Vesak Zone from May 1

Shirley WIJESINGHE

COLOMBO: The “Amadahara Vesak Zone” organised by Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited is being financially powered by main sponsor M/S OS Projects (Pvt.) Ltd. (Orange) for the forth consecutive year.

The signing of the sponsorship agreement between ANCL and Orange Electric took place at the ANCL yesterday. The sponsorship cheque of Rs.1.5 million was handed over by Orange Electric Director Sawanthi Kodithuwakku.

The Amadahara Vesak Zone will radiate from Lake House to cover several areas in the heart of Fort on May 1, 2 and 3. It will cover 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.

Roads and buildings will be decorated with pandals, lanterns, Buddhist flags and electric illuminations during this three-day period.

Leading public and private sector institutions, including the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Sri Lanka Telecom, Postal Department, National Housing Authority, Mackie and Company, Inland Revenue Department, Fort Police Station, Sri Lanka Air Force and some State and private sector bankers will assist Lake House to conduct the program.

Many voluntary organisations, Buddhist societies and Buddhist temples in Colombo have also extended their co-operation to make the event a success.

During this period, Vesak lantern competitions, Bakthi Gee programmes and stage dramas will be conducted by the Lake House Buddhist Society and several other Buddhist organisations.

In addition `Dan Salas’ will offer food, drinks and ice cream to Vesak sightseers.

The Independent Television Network and Lakhanda Radio will beam special broadcasts on the proceedings of the “Amadahara Vesak Programe”.

The ANCL will also issue the “Dinamina Vesak Magazine” in Sinhala and English and a special publication of the `Budusarana’ newspaper to coincide with “Amadahara”.

Ambalangoda Traditional Puppet shows and performances of the Tower Hall Foundation Artistes will also be staged in front of the ANCL.