ANCL Aloka Pooja concludes
 

Nadira Gunatilleke reporting from Mihintale

Mihintale is the base of Sri Lankan culture. We need to examine the present condition of the Sri Lankan culture. With colonialisation the traditional Sri Lankan culture experienced a huge set back, said Anuradhapura District Secretary U.D. Yapa.

He was speaking after switching on the illuminations on the third and final day of Aloka Pooja (offering of light) organised by the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited (ANCL) for the 43rd time to mark the Poson Festival 2005. Abans Limited was ANCL's partner in the Noble Deed.

Yapa said that during British rule, they promoted alcohol in Sri Lankan society and today Sri Lankans are addicted to liquor. Today we face a huge cultural challenge, he added. The word "Poson" means greatness. There is no other great day for Sri Lanka. With the arrival of Arahat Mahinda Thera and significant cultural and religious revolution took place in Sri Lanka, he said.

He described the different programmes and arrangements made by the Government to facilitate devotees' visits to Anuradhapura to worship Mihintale and the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi. According to a special request made by the President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga arrangements were made to conduct "Sathi Pirith Pinkama".

About 75 dansala were held during post years but this year about 20 dansala were held. We deployed about 6,000 police officers.

Yapa thanked all private and State institutions for their contribution towards organizing the Poson festival and for supporting him to make it a success. He especially thanked ANCL for its great contribution.

ANCL Chairman Janadasa Peiris thanked all private and State institutions that supported ANCL to conduct the Aloka Pooja. He especially thanked Mihintale Raja Maha Viharadhipati Ven. Namalwewe Dhammakeerti Shri Ratanasara Thera and Ven. Walawahengunawewe Dhammaratana Thera, for their guidance.

Mr. Peiris thanked the CEB, SLRC, SLBC, Abans Group, ANCL officials and workers attached to the Buildings Department of the ANCL.

Peiris said that he hopes to conduct the Mihintale Aloka Pooja next year in an even more successful manner. He sought the blessings of Maha Sangha to conduct the Aloka Pooja in a more colourful manner next year.

Delivering the welcome speech ANCL General Manager Abhaya Amaradasa said that the ANCL conducts Mihintale Aloka Pooja through the Mihintale Aloka Bharaya (trust fund). He thanked the CEB for the support.

Deputy General Manager, CEB, NCP, Gration Muthukudarachchi said that CEB always supports ANCL to conduct the Mihintale Aloka Pooja and will continue to join hands with ANCL in the future. Devotees need light to worship shrins properly and pray. It is indeed a great pleasure to join hands with the ANCL to conduct the Aloka Pooja at Mihintale. He also thanked CEB Chairman Ananda Gunasekara and the General Manager for their support.

Delivering an Anusasana Ven. Walawahengunawewe Dhammaratana Thera said that the knowledge of the Dhammma changed the Sri Lankan people.

"The ANCL can face any future challenge successfully." The Ven. Thera wished that ANCL Chairman Janadasa Peiris and the staff will get necessary strength and encouragement to achieve the objective of the ANCL Founder D.R. Wijewardene. He thanked all private and State institutions for their contribution.

He especially thanked the CIC and volunteers who helped to paint the Mihintale Chetiya.

Budusarana Editor Nelson S. Perera thanked all those who contributed to the Aloka Pooja. He also thanked SLBC Chairman Hudson Samarasinghe, the Abans Group, NSB and the Dayawansa Jayakody and Company.