Special commemorative coin for 2,600th Sambuddha Jayanthi

A special commemorative coin is to be issued to mark the forthcoming 2 600th 'Sambuddha Jayanthi'.

The 'Sambuddha Jayanthi' Presidential Steering Committee which met under the leadership of Prime Minister D M Jayaratne yesterday arrived at the above decision. In addition they also proposed several other activities to mark the event.

According to the decision taken by the Committee, the commemorative coin would be made out of Silver. In addition several other coins too are to be issued for general circulation purposes. The Committee also decided to make arrangements to issue several stamps in addition to the coins to mark the 'Sambuddha Jayanthi'. They have also decided to hold an exhibition in line with the 'Sambuddha Jayanthi' to showcase Sri Lanka's ancient religious sites. This is to be jointly organized by the Cultural Ministry, Archaeological Department and the Buddhist Affairs Department.

The exhibition is to be held in Colombo and in chosen outstation destinations.

The Prime Minister's office said that during discussions the committee also extensively discussed amendments to the NATA Act proposed with view of discouraging tobacco and alcohol use.

They had also discussed the possibility of enacting an Animal Welfare Act.