All roads lead to Deyata Kirula

Dharma SRI ABEYRATENE in Buttala

Thousands of visitors from various parts of the country are visiting the Deyata Kirula Exhibition, the nation's development exhibition being held in Buttala, Moneragala.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa visited the Deyata Kirula exhibition for the third time on the fifth day, day before yesterday. The exhibition is being held for the fifth consecutive year, in Buttala, Moneragala from February 4 to 10 providing knowledge and entertainment. The exhibition creates a strong image of the country's history. It is being held on a 120-acre land.

More than two million visitors had visited the exhibition by yesterday noon, Telecommunication and Information Technology Minister and Deyata Kirula Steering Committee Chairman Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said.

According to him the number of visitors is increasing daily. The number of visitors is expected to exceed over one million a day by the final day, today.

In addition to the two main entry points, 300 more entry points were established yesterday morning considering the high visitor turn out. The Exhibition Organising Committee had taken steps to provide visitors with maximum facilities.

Among the visitors are people from Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Colombo, Vavuniya and Kilinochchi. Entrance is free for schoolchildren and teachers accompanying students while the others have to buy a Rs 20 ticket.

The Media Zone, Security Forces' stalls, Education and Higher Education Zones and Agriculture Ministry premises are always crowded.

Three forces, Police, Special Task Force and Civil Defence Force are participating in the exhibition showcasing their outstanding performances. Almost all Government and public sector institutions and other organisations are participating in the exhibition with over 2,000 stalls. Fighter aircraft including Kafir, Mig and fighter helicopters are exhibited at the Air-Force stall.

Prime Minister D M Jayaratne, Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa, Uva Province Chief Minister Shashendra Rajapaksa and several other Ministers will take part in the final day ceremony today.