2006-05-07

Buddha Pradeepa Vesak magazines launched

by Ananda Kannangara

The launching of two Buddha Pradeepa Vesak magazines,`Daily News Vesak Annual' and `Dinamina Vesak Kalapaya', published in English and Sinhala by the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd (Lake House) took place last week at the Sambuddhaloka Viharaya, Colombo under the patronage of Cultural Affairs and National Heritage Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardane.

The two magazines were published to coincide with the 2550th Buddha Jayanthi Commemoration which falls on May 12. The English magazine was edited by Malini Govinna and the Sinhala magazine by Dr. Ranjith L. Abeyawickrame.

Commenting on these two Vesak magazines Kelaniya University Chancellor Ven. Dr. Walamitiyawe Kusala Dhamma Thera thanked the Lake House Management for publishing such valuable magazines on a yearly basic to coincide with the Vesak festival.

Minister Abeywardane said that Lake House has performed a yeoman service to the present and future generations by publishing valuable Vesak magazines.

"Several years ago I was fortunate to read the `Dinamina Vesak Kalapaya', published to mark the 2500th Sambuddha Jayanthiya and today I got the opportunity to read this year's "Dinamina Vesak Kalapaya, published to mark the 2550th Sambuddha Jayanthiya," he said. Chairman, Lake House Dr. Sunil Jayasekara said Lake House being the oldest media institution in the country, has rendered an invaluable service to the readers.

Director Editorial Karu Paranawithana said from the era of the late D. R. Wijewardene, Lake House has been rendering a great service for the development of Buddhism in the country and the `Amadahara' Vesak Program, conducted by the Lake House was evidence to that effect.