09th May 2023 20:55:28 Hours
Award of cash incentives and prizes for the creative Vesak lanterns and decorations at the Gangarama ‘Buddha Rashmi Vesak Zone’ took place on Sunday (7) evening amid a gathering of distinguished invitees, including monks, Hon. Minister Bandula Gunawardana, Mr Saman Ekanayake, President’s Secretary, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, Commander of the Army, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera RSP USP ndu psc, Commander of the Navy and high-ranking state officials, students and invitees.
The ‘Buddha Rashmi Vesak Zone’ consisted of Tri service, Civil Security Department and Police - crafted decorations, devotional song floats and ‘Dansel’ (free eatery) continued for the fourth consecutive day on Sunday (7) after Hon. President switched on the illuminations on Thursday (4) evening.
The creative decorations exclusively crafted by Army personnel, during Sunday (7) evening’s award ceremony won the second, third and sixth places in the competitions for Vesak lanterns and decorations. Of them, the ‘Apaaya’ (hell) designed by the Directorate of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (EME) became a popular attraction among Vesak sight-seers.
Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Commander of the Army visited the ‘Dansela’ and shared a few views with the organisers and the participants. Afterwards, he joined awarding of cash incentives to the winners in the devotional song and lantern competitions.
Venerable (Dr.) Kirinde Assaji Thero, acting Incumbent, Gangarama Viharaya who invited those distinguished guests delivered an oration and invoked blessings on all contributors to the success of the ‘Buddha Rashmi Vesak Zone’.
