The 50th anniversary of Lake House Aloka Pooja:

Momentous mission

Ishara JAYAWARDANE

Once more, for the 50th year, the full moon will once again shine down upon a brilliantly lit Mihintale, the 'Cradle of Buddhism'. It is the celebration of the event when Ven Mahinda Thera arrived in Sri Lanka and preached the Buddha's teachings. This is the 50th Aloka Pooja, organized by Lake House, which began in 1963 and is of great significance coming at a time when the country is commemorating three years of peace. Daily News spoke to ANCL Chairman and Managing Director Bandula Padmakumara on the 50th anniversary of Aloka Poojava.

Q: How did the Aloka Pooja come to be?

A: In 1963, R S Wijewardene, former Lake House Chairman, initiated this project to illuminate the Mihintale Sacred Area, because at that time it was not developed and without permanent power. Since no power was available for the sacred area ANCL thought it was fitting to illuminate the Mihintale sacred area because it is the birthplace of Sri Lankan Buddhism. ANCL also has its philosophy to promote and support places of religious importance. That is why 50 years ago the management of ANCL initiated this project.

Q: ANCL is a commercial institute. What are the objectives of this project?

A: This is a corporate social responsibility (CSR) project. There is no specific commercial value but to promote the cause of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. And this is basically a place where hundreds and thousands of people come on pilgrimage.

ANCL thought it is the best place and best opportunity for us to fulfill our social obligations. There is no gain but actually it is basically to help and to uplift this place.

Q: What are the other areas of the project?

A: Apart from illuminating Mihintale for three days, there are other activities connected to these celebrations. During the last five decades ANCL has been engaged in building libraries, computer centres, dental clinics, children's welfare centres, Montessori schools and so many other social requirements of the vicinity of the sacred area. Those days the facilities were not available, but now Mihintale is a fairly developed area. We will be presenting a children's play area to the Mihintale Junior school and we will be upgrading the facility with all new equipment, and that is our social obligation this year to mark the 50th anniversary.

Q: You are connected with other institutes too.

A: The Ceylon Electricity Board will supply uninterrupted electricity to Mihintale. They have been supporting us immensely for many years ever since permanent electricity was provided to Mihintale and Abans is sponsoring the main event.

Also to mark the 50th anniversary this year at the request of Chief Incumbent Ven Walawahangunawewa Dhammarathana Thera, we have constructed the poya ge. It is place required by every temple where monks discuss their Vinaya issues. Under our directions it was sponsored by Maliban Biscuits and built by the Archaeology Department.

Earlier the poyage they had was dilapidated but this year it was completely reconstructed ensuring the preservation of former archaeological features and also with all facilities. That is the contribution from Maliban and Lake House to the sacred area this year.

By associating with this event for the last five decades, ANCL has shown Sri Lanka and the world that the lighting up of the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka is opening up the path of wisdom to the masses.

As the premier newspaper publishing institute we have been associated with projects similar to this but this is the most valuable historical event ANCL is associated with. We do believe that we would continue to do the Aloka Pujava for many more years.