Mihintale Poson Aloka Pooja

Minister lauds CEB's efforts

Wasantha Ramanayake

COLOMBO: The Ceylon Electricity Board has taken steps to light up the Atamasthanaya starting from the Poson Full Moon Day even amidst soaring debts said, Power and Energy Minister W. D. J. Senevirathne. The Minister was speaking at the opening of the 44th Mihintale Poson Aloka Pooja, jointly sponsored by the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited and the Ceylon Electricity Board.

The Minister said the CEB is mindful of the people's religious and cultural aspects though it was already burdened with debt.

He said the CEB spent nearly 12 million rupees for the "Aloka Pooja" 'It will undertake power related future projects in the sacred city' he said

The CEB having understood the importance of the arrival of Buddhism in the country and its role in shaping the historical and cultural fabric, has continued to light up Mihintale for 44 years, the Minister said.

Cultural Affairs Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardane, North Central Chief Minister Berty Premalal Dissanayake, Agrarian Services and Farmer Community Development Minister S.M. Chandrasena, CEB Chairman Chula Delgoda and ANCL Chirman Anil Obeysekere PC also participated.