ANCL Amadahara on grand scale

Priyanka KURUGALA

The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd (ANCL) will establish the Amadahara Sadaham Vesak Zone to mark the 2600th Sambuddhathva Jayanthi and Vesak full moon Poya day under the guidance of ANCL chairman Bandula Padmakumara, ANCL General Manager Abhaya Amaradasa said.

A special Budu Medura will be opened to commemorate the 2600th Sambuddhathva Jayanthi at Lake House on May 16, he said yesterday.

The Amadahara Sadaham Vesak Zone is being held for the past nine years. ANCL began Vesak celebrations on a grand scale in the Fort area including Lake House around 35 years ago. ANCL has planned to celebrate this event on a grander scale this year. The Derana Media Institute is also taking part in this event, Amaradasa said.

The Vesak Zone will include the ANCL building, the Presidential Secretariat and the Air Force Headquarters. D R Wijewardene Mawatha will be the centre of focus in the Amadahara Sadaham Vesak region. The Telecom and Fort Station will also be covered by the Vesak Zone.

ANCL has drawn an elaborate programme to mark the 2600th Sambuddhathva Jayanthi. A Vesak lantern competition will be held as on previous occasions. Around 70 Vesak lanterns will be on display, he said.

A Bhakthi Gee recital will also be held on May 17, 18 and 19. It will be held in two stages. In addition to the ANCL Bhakthi Gee group, other Bhakthi Gee groups will also participate. Veteran singers will also participate in the ceremony, Amaradasa said.

A puppet show, coriander Dansela will also be held on Vesak days.

ANCL held a Vesak card competition to mark the Sambuddhathva Jayanthi. Around 60,000 Vesak cards which were selected as good creations have been delivered throughout the country, the General Manager said.

ANCL Operation Director Upul Dissanayake said: "We expect thousands of people to participate in this event. We have organized programmes to make the public aware as to what is Buddhism, and its essence."

Derana Executive Director Madhawa Madawala said this will not be an event only for entertainment. "This is an event to remember the importance of Buddhism. Adaderana has planned to telecast and broadcast this event live through www.adaderan.lk, mobile phones, video alerts and voice alerts," he said.

Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd Company Secretary Kumudu Gunewardene, ANCL Legal Director Rasanga Harischandra and Adaderana Special Events and Promotion Officer Saman Ratnayake were also present.