‘Diyawanna Vesak Zone 2024’, one of this year’s most vibrant Vesak celebrations concludes successfully
May 26, 2024Diyawanna Vesak Zone 2024, organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and Independent Television Network (ITN) was held for three days from May 23 and concluded last evening (May 25).
Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne and Chairman of ITN Mr. Sudarshana Gunawardana, inaugurated the ‘Diyawanna Vesak Zone 2024’ and it managed to attract a large number of devotees for consecutive three days, irrespective of religion.
Decorative Vesak lanterns and colourful lights illuminating Denzil Kobbekaduwa Mawatha and the Ministry of Defence road in Battaramulla were ceremonially switched on by the two distinguished guests last Thursday (May 23) and the live telecast of ‘Diyawanna Vesak Zone 2024’ on ITN channel also began simultaneously.
The significance of the Diyawanna Vesak Zone was heightened by the Bakthi Gee (songs of religious devotion) recitals performed by cultural troupes from the Sri Lanka Army, Navy, Air Force and Civil Security Department (CSD).
Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva and Commander of the Army Lt. Gen. Vikum Liyanage who graced the second day (May 24) event, illuminated the Vesak zone ceremonially.
Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera ceremonially illuminated the third day (May 25) Vesak Zone as the chief guest and awarded the cash prize for the most creative Vesak lantern in Diyawanna Vesak Zone 2024.
ITN conducted a live telecast for the three-day ceremony which benefitted the island-wide devotees and Nestlé Lanka Limited sponsored the prizes awarded for the most creative Vesak lantern in Diyawanna Vesak Zone 2024.
Accordingly, the lantern designed by Sri Lanka Army Engineers Corps secured first prize, while Sri Lanka Army Ordnance Corps came in second. Sri Lanka Air Force Station Palavi won the third place.
Under the theme “Attano wa avekkhyeya kathani akatani cha” (Let’s be aware of what we have done, not what others have done), Diyawanna Vesak Zone featured Vesak Lantern Exhibition, Bakthi Gee, Vesak Dhansal stalls, herbal tea stalls, light decorations, a decorated mobile Bakthi Gee platform and various other cultural events.
