President Ranil Wickremesinghe attended several Vesak programs held in Colombo yesterday (23) while the country was celebrating Vesak.
On the occasion of the Vesak festival, the ‘Buddha Rashmi’ Vesak Valayam was inaugurated yesterday (23) under the leadership of President Ranil Wickramasinghe, organized by the Colombo Hunupitti Gangarama Viharai.
The President visited the Gangarama Viharai and participated in the puja and the Vicar of the Gangarama Viharai, Kalanidhi Girinthe Assaji Thera, conducted religious services and offered blessings to the President.
The President lit the lights and inaugurated the “Buddha Rashmi Vesak Zone”.
A large number of guests from home and abroad including foreign ambassadors and high commissioners attended the event and the President also engaged in a friendly conversation with them.
Colombo Gangarama Vihara, President’s Office, Prime Minister’s Office and Singapore’s Maha Karuna Buddhist Society organized Vesak lighting decorations, Vesak postures, devotional gita at the Galle Muktidal Shangri-La Green Ground and Presidential Office Complex on May 23, 24, 25 and 26 on the occasion of Buddha Rashmi National Vesak Festival. Various cultural events are organized including program, Vesak alms giving, folk songs, lamp decorations.
A colorful devotional program began at the steps of the President’s office after lamps were lit by President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake to mark the beginning of the Vesak programme. Meanwhile, President Ranil Wickremesinghe inaugurated the Vesak donation at Shangri-La Green Stadium.
Also, President Ranil Wickramasinghe inaugurated the Vesak zone organized for the first time by Peliyagoda Community Development Trust, Peliyagoda City Council and the business community yesterday (23) afternoon.
Under the guidance of Vana, Bengamwe Nalaka Anunayaka Thera, Vana, Kottapola Mangala Thera and Vana, Velangepola Dammika Thera, this Vesak Valayam will be held on 23rd, 24th and 25th of May and it will feature Vesak huts competition, devotional song and drama program, Annadanam. After lighting the lamps, the President inaugurated the Vesak Zone and engaged in a friendly conversation with the people visiting the Vesak Zone.
State Ministers Prasanna Ranaweera, Sisira Jayakodi and others attended the event. Meanwhile, President Ranil Wickramasinghe inaugurated the Vesak zone and spectacular Vesak thorana organized by the Marudhanai-Suduwella United Buddhist Association on the occasion of Vesak festival yesterday (23) afternoon.
This Vesak event, which was organized under the auspices of Sri Dharmaloka Daya Maha Viharai Vana, Yadihena Sathaloka Thera and was conceived by former Municipal Councilor Kitsiri Rajapaksa, has many special features and the Vesak Thoranam, which carries the national story of Manikara Kulaphakatissa, will be displayed at Marudhanai Santhi till 27th May.
President’s Senior Adviser on National Security and Head of Presidential Task Force Sagala Ratnayake, President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake, Acting Chief of Defense Staff General Shavendra Silva, Army Chief Lt. Gen. Vikum Lienake and many other political representatives and government officials joined the President on these occasions.
