The annual Vesak zone at Matara Sanath Jayasuriya public play ground was opened Wednesday (9) evening for the 5th consecutive day, amidst religious rites and rituals.  

At the invitation of the organizers, Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander of the Army attended the ceremonial opening of the Vesak zone, accompanied by a few more distinguished guests.

South-based Army troops contributed largely to the preparations of Vesak lanterns now on display at the Matara at ‘Nilwala Vesak zone’. Commander of the Army placed the Relic Casket in the special canopy for public veneration before the programme got underway. Ven Getamanne Gunananda Thera, Presidential Advisor on Religious Affairs, Ven Hakmana Sarana Thera, Viharadhipathi, Kotikagoda Raja Maha Viharaya, State officials attached to various religious and cultural agencies and the Police were associated with the Vesak arrangements at Matara.

Lieutenant General Jayasuriya after lighting the traditional oil lamp soon after religious observances switched on one of the decorative lanterns symbolically. The Vesak zone, comprised of many hundreds of Vesak lanterns and other decorative items has become a huge attraction in the deep South.

Last year too, the Commander was invited to open the same Vesak zone at Matara.