PM inaugurates Aloka Pooja today

BY NADIRA Gunatilleke

PRIME Minister Mahinda Rajapakse will open the 43rd Aloka Pooja at 7 pm today organised by the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited (ANCL) at Mihintale to mark Poson Festival 2005 under the guidance of Ven. Namalwewa Dhammakeerti Shri Ratanasara Thera.

North Central Province Chief Minister Berty Premalal Dissanayake and several other guests will also participate. Pansil will be observed at 5.30 am today while the Sethpirith Deshanava will take place at 7 am, Buddha Pooja at 11 am and Gilanpasa Buddha Pooja at 8 pm. Arrangements have also been made to guide devotees to relevant places in the sacred city.

Facilities and directions will be provided to park their vehicles. A map of Mihintale and a special sticker will be given to every vehicle entering Mihintale. Arrangements have also been made to raise awareness among the public on proper garbage disposal and the importance of keeping the environment clean.

The Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC) will carry out this awareness program. Abans is sponsoring the Aloka Pooja. The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and the SLRC is joining hands with ANCL. Sri Lanka Export Credit Insurance Corporation (SLEIC) is sponsoring the Mihintale Aloka Pooja broadcast.

A special security plan has been implemented by the police in Anuradhapura with the support of police mobile motorcycles. Bathing in Tissawewa and Nuwarawewa has been completely banned to provide clean drinking water. Basawakkulama tank can be used for washing and bathing.

The public has been requested not to bring polythene, not to set fire under trees and not to get involved in indecent behaviour.Power and Energy Minister Susil Premajayanth will open the illuminations on June 21 at 7 pm. Pansil will be observed at 5.45 am and Buddha Pooja at 6 am. Ven. Dr. Karandeniye Gunarathana Thera will deliver a special Dhamma Deshana at 8 am.

Buddha Pooja will take place at 11 am and a Bhakti Gee recital presented by the National Youth Services Council will take place at 9.15 pm.