Sixty foot giant Vesak lantern to lighten up Angulana

Kathya de Silva

Gunasena Kurukulasuriya at work

A giant Vesak lantern with over 100 satellites, constructed by Gunasena Kurukulasuriya, will be displayed for the 42nd time this Vesak season at the SLTB Driving School premises, Galle Road, Angulana junction, Katubedda.

Kurukulasuriya who had been conferred the Kalabhushana award, has international acclaim for his creation on display internationally and islandwide for many decades.

The displaying of the giant lantern commenced from Ratmalana and later in Borella Campbell Park, Seeduwa, near Kelanitissa power plant and Bellanwila. The lantern was also displayed in Singapore.

This year the giant Vesak lantern is themed on a jathaka story which provides advice to parents and youths who are getting ready to marry.

Kurukulasuriya claims this will be the largest Vesak lantern in the country with 60 metres in height. The lantern will be operated using hi tech machinery, he said.

About 12,000 electric bulbs will illuminate the giant lantern, making it a must see item this Vesak season.

It will be on display from Vesak Day.