SLA to hold Vesak celebration in Jaffna

[TamilNet, Saturday, 21 May 2005, 18:09 GMT]
The Sri Lanka Army in Jaffna is making elaborate arrangements to conduct Vesak celebration in in the northern town, next week. Vesak is a festival of lights celebrated by Buddhists to mark the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha.

"The celebrations will be conducted in Jaffna Naga Vihare and Kantharodai to promote better understanding between communities and religious amity and to stress permanent peace in the country," said Major General Sunil Tennekoon, Jaffna SLA area commander at a press briefing held Saturday evening held at the Jaffna Co-operative Society hall.

No restriction will be imposed on the movement of the public in attending these Vesak celebrations and other related religious observances, said Major General Sunil Tennekoon.

Erecting pandals, colourfully lit billboards symbolising the life of Buddha, and lanterns are parts of the traditional festivities associated with the Vesak celebrations.