Vesak programmes in Kurunegala

Maha Vidyala and primary schools in the Kurunegala district have organised Vesak programmes from today to May 7 under the instructions of the Kurunegala Education Department.

Kurunegala Athkanda Raja Maha Viharadhipathi Dr Ven Thumbulle Sri Seelakkanda Nayaka thera, Madamegama Viharadhipathi and Yaggapitiya Sambodhi Viharadhipathi Velivehera Pannananda thera have organised religious ceremonies.

Over 700 Buddhists will observe atasil and participate in a meditation programme on Vesak Full Moon Poya day on the summit of Etugala Samadhi Buduruwa and Uyandana Mahamewna Meditation Centre. Etugala Buduruwa Sanwardana Committee and traders of the Kurunegala town will provide midday meals and gilanpasa for those who observe atasil on the summit of elephant rock. Dhamma schools in Kurunegala have arranged special bakthi gee programmes at Divisional Secretariat level.

Wayamba CTB and private buses will provide transport facilities for devotees to worship Rideegama Moneragala Samadhi Buduruwa, Paduwasnuwara, Wellegala, Yapahuwa, Wattarama and Wariyapola.

A lantern competition has been organised by the Udawalpola Buddhist Association at the Udawalpola ground.

Those who intend to worship the Buddha statue on the summit of the elephant rock, the Buduruwa Committee has requested all pilgrims to behave in a cultured manner and abstain from liquor before climbing the rock.

First aid and other facilities will be arranged by the police.