[2012-05-06
15:09:12]
Demonstrating
the sense of religious harmony and affirming good civil-military
relations prevailing in the peninsula, Jaffna citizens of Hindu,
Catholic and Islam faith joined the soldiers and visitors from
the South to see the beauty of “Wesak” at the “Wesak Zone” organized
by Security Forces - Jaffna (SF-J) in the middle of the city with
auspices of Commander SF-J Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe
on Full Moon Day (05).
Huge crowd
had gathered near the pandol (Arch) erected at the entrance by
soldiers even before the “Wesak Zone” was declared open around
7.00 p.m. by Hon. Governor of the Northern Province Maj. Gen.
(Retd) G.A. Chandrasiri, the Chief Guest of the first day.
Over 35 huge Wesak lanterns created by Army, Navy and Police decorated
either side of the road in front of the Jaffna Public Library
in addition to hundreds other small lanterns and electric bulbs.
Troops of the 55 Division treated all who visited the “Wesak Zone”
with a delicious dinner at their Dansala.
Meanwhile,
Headquarters SF-J, Prison and Police had put up a number of herbal
and soft drink Dansala at various locations within the
“Wesak Zone”.
Another special
feature of the programme was Tamil and Sinhala Bhakthi Gee (Devotional
Songs) sung by students of Manippay Hindu College, Marathanamadam
Ramanathan College, Uduvil Murugamoorthy Vidyalaya, member of
the Jaffna Tamil Buddhist Association, members of the Army and
Police on a gaily decorated stage in front of the library.
Among the
most attracted creations in the “Wesak Zone” was the Narakam
(Hell) constructed by the Regiment of Sri Lanka Electrical and
Mechanical Engineers (SLEME). Punishments given to those who commit
sin in this life when they go to the Narakam after their
death are elaborately exhibited here using mechanically animated
dummies.
Rev. Meegahajandure
Siri Vimala Thero of Sri Naga Vihara, Nallai Adeenan Rev. Sri
La Sri Somasundara Paramacharya Swamihal, Vicar General Jaffna
Rev. Justin B. Gnanaprakasam, Government Agent Jaffna Mrs. Emelda
Sukumar, High Court Judge Mr. J Vishvanathan and Magistrate Mr.
M. Ganeshraj were among the distinguished guests present at the
“Wesak Zone” on the first day.
The “Wesak
Zone” will be open until 7th May.
