Eastern towns celebrate Vesak

M.A. Phakurdeen Addalaichenai Group Corr

The coastal areas of the Ampara District celebrated Vesak on a grand scale after a lapse of three decades in a free and fair manner with the participation of Muslims, Tamils and Christians in the area.

There was a hive of activity with a series of events in Akkaraipattu Army Camp which drew a large gathering of Tamils, Muslims and Christians. They helped the Army Personnel in organising the events.

The Chief of Akkaraipattu Army camp Major R. Ranjith Colabage SLSR conducted a Pandal competition among the 12 camps along with other interesting events in Akkaraiapttu Division where a keen contest was witnessed.

The event was inaugurated by the Kondawattuuwan Army Combat Training School Col. K.D.C.I.G. Tilakaratne in the presence of a large gathering of public along with the Army Personnel Thursday.

A large number Muslims, Tamils and Christians including women and children from neighbouring villages and towns who were not provided with an opportunity of viewing Vesak Pandals and illuminations got an opportunity to witness them.

At the conclusion of the ceremony on Saturday night a distinguished gathering from all three communities including the religious dignitaries and the Representatives of Akkaraipattu Mill Owners Association were present and the Pandals selected in the competition were awarded with trophies by the guests.

The Akkaraipattu Camp secured the first place in the Pandal Competition while the second and third places were won by the Kannakipuram and Hulannuge Camps respectively. The trophies were donated by the well-wishers.

The first prize a ‘Television’ was handed over to the Army Officer of Akkaraipattu Camp by Major R.R. Colabage while the trophies for the second and third places, which were also Televisions, were handed over to the Camp Officers of Kannakipuram and Hulannuge by the Marketing Representative of Darly Butler and Company, Ltd., Mohamed Risvan and the Proprietor of Nathan’s Advanced Photo System R. Prekash.