Call to regulate Vesak card printing

Kapila SOMARATNE- Panadura Group Corr

The government should take action regarding Vesak cards published by various printing press owners defaming the character of Buddha, Ven Udugama Wimalakirthi Adhikarana Sanghanayake Thera said.

The thera said so presiding a Dhaham hamuwa at Galgoda Temple last week to discuss arrangements made by an organizing committee headed by Ven Pothupitiye Pannasekera Nayake Thera of Galgoda Temple to celebrate the 2600th Sambuddhathva Jayanthi and to issue a newly printed Vesak Card.

The new Vesak card was presented to Minister Rajita Senarathne by Ven Pothupitiye Pannasekera thera.

The entire country must come together to celebrate the 2600th Sambuddhathva Jayanthi, the thera said. Ven Pothupitiye Nayaka Thera added that Vesak Week will be celebrated in Panadura on a grand scale.

The entire town and Galle Road will be decorated with Buddhist flags and electric bulbs. Dana, seela and bhawana campaigns will be held at the Galgoda temple and 2,600 schoolchildren will participate in the massive sil campaign, the prelate said.

Health, Indigenous Medicine, Child and Women's Affairs Minister Jagath Angage said that 24,000 Vesak lanterns will be lit along the Galle road in Panadura town. Panadura SSP Edmond Mahendra said the Sambuddhathva Jayanthi celebrations were arranged by the Police with the education officials, Panadura United Traders' Association and the Lions Club.

Bakthi gee programmes and Vesak Lantern contests will also be held at the Panadura Public Bus Stand.

The police will offer Sangeeka dana to 100 bhikkhus.