Ama Dahara Vesak Zone near ANCL
 

BY NADIRA Gunatilleke

BUDUSARANA, The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited (ANCL) and all State and private institutions located around ANCL will get together to celebrate Vesak Festival on a grand scale this year.

This was revealed during a press briefing held at the ANCL yesterday. Addressing the press briefing, ANCL Consultant Karunaratne Paranavithana said that the Vesak Festival will be celebrated under the theme `Ama Dahara Vesak Sadaham Kalapaya' (Ama Dahara Vesak Zone) on May 23, 24 and 25 around ANCL extending to Gamini Hall junction, Slave Island, Galle Face and Pettah.

The ANCL, the Finance Ministry, Presidential Secretariat, HDFC, National Housing Development Authority, Transport Ministry, Inland Revenue Department, Colombo Port, Sri Lanka Telecom, Ceylon Electricity Board, private and State banks, Fort Police and Armed Forces, Three-wheeler Association, and several other State and private institutions will get together in this program.

The number of institutions which have expressed their willingness to take part in this program is on the rise. Several sponsors have already come forward to sponsor this program.

Decorated arches will be built in the four entrances of the Vesak Zone to mark the boundaries of the zone. The whole Vesak Zone will be beautifully illuminated. About 1,000 huge flags with the Amadahara logo will be erected in the zone.

A radio transmission to be set up within this zone will broadcast Buddhist songs, announcements, jingles and Buddhist news. This will prevent unnecessary sounds in the zone. Amadahara flags and stickers will pasted in about 500 three-wheelers.

All the institutions will hold their own Vesak programs under the theme of `Amadahara'. The ANCL will conduct its usual Vesak program including Bhakti Gee on a grand scale. The Vesak lantern competition will also be held as usual and high quality Vesak lanterns will put on display.

An organising committee has already been set up under ANCL Chairman Janadasa Peiris to organise this National religious festival.