Country dazzles for Vesak

Pandals, lanterns and Vesak zones were inaugurated in Colombo on Friday while the entire country was illuminated to mark Vesak. President Mahinda Rajapaksa inaugurated the Diyawanna Vesak Zone near the Diyawanna Oya.

Defence and Urban Development Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa was also present at the Vesak Zone. The Diyawanna Vesak zone will be held until today. Meanhile, the Amadahara Vesak Zone organised by the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited (ANCL) for the 23rd year in succession was inaugurated by ANCL Chairman and veteran journalist Bandula Padmakumara along with senior officials of the company and Sri Lanka Telecom, the sponsor of the event on Friday.

Over 120 persons are participating in the Vesak lantern competition. Lanterns made by them will be on display at the Amadahara Vesak Zone opposite Lake House until today. TV Derana and FM Derana are the electronic media sponsors of the event.

The Vesak Zone comprises a Vesak lantern competition, Bakthi Gee recital, dansala and many other features, which have received the pride of place among the Vesak Zones in Colombo. The dansala is organised by the Lake House Buddhist Society.

These pictures captured by Nissanka Wijeratne show some of the eye catching creations in Colombo and the suburbs.