First time a lantern competition of this scale was held in the country

Transport, Highways and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana announced that the Homagama Dharma Rashmi Poson Zone was established to convey the Poson message to those who cannot travel to Mihintale or Anuradhapura. He emphasised his role as the Minister of Mass Media and the unique responsibility assigned to media institutions in transmitting these cultural values to the youth and future generations.

The Minister stated that this was the first instance in Sri Lankan history where such a massive competition was held and significant monetary prizes were awarded. He expressed his commitment to organising a more attractive event next year and thanked everyone who contributed to this grand initiative.

He made these remarks at Lake House during the awards ceremony for the winners of the Poson Lantern Competition, which was part of the Dharma Rashmi Poson Zone celebrations.

The first prize of Rs. 1 million was awarded to S.L. Sanath Bandu, the second prize of Rs. 500,000 to W.Wishal Sri Binara, and the third prize of Rs. 200,000 to K. Inudeepa Yogachandra. Additionally, 22 winners received cash prizes of Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 25,000 each. The Ratmalana, Gampaha, Mattakkuliya, Homagama, Horana, and Kalutara depots of the Sri Lanka Transport Board, as well as the Wattegama prison and the Sri Lanka Army Ordnance Corps, were notable winners.

During his speech, the Minister stated, “I fondly remember those who joined us on this significant occasion. The Dharma Rashmi Poson Zone was initiated to deliver the Poson message to many who could not travel to Mihintale and Anuradhapura, aiming to impart some understanding of the religious, social, and cultural revival following the arrival of Arhant Mahinda Thera, particularly for future generations. As the Minister responsible for the country’s mass media, I am entrusted with a great responsibility. I believe that media institutions must play a crucial role in conveying these cultural heritages, especially to the youth and future generations. I consider our media institutions and owners to be forward-thinking individuals. During the national liberation struggle, the founder of Lake House, D.R. Wijewardene made significant contributions to the Buddhist revival through the institution. Consequently, the Wijewardene family has privately contributed to illuminating Mihintale and maintaining the Buddhist section at the University of Peradeniya. Likewise, Rupavahini and Independent Television Network have also joined in supporting these initiatives.

“My Homagama electorate decided to create a Poson Zone by bringing together many individuals who could unite for positive causes. The late Gamini Jayasuriya, a descendant of Srimath Anagarika Dharmapala and a prominent Buddhist leader, introduced various policies to promote Buddhist revival within this electorate. As an Education Minister, I envisioned transforming this zone into an educational hub during my tenure. Although Colombo has large colleges, Mahinda Rajapaksa College was built in this zone as Asia’s largest secondary school, accommodating 7,000 students and 300 teachers. School starts at 7:30 am and ends at 3:30 pm.

“There is no canteen or tuck shop; parents must prepare two meals for their children. Students wear national attire on Fridays and help Buddhist children observe Sil on Poya days. Teachers ensure these activities take place. This school had the highest number of 768 students sit for the Ordinary Level Examination, with all qualifying for Advanced Level, and none failing or falling due to illness. That is why I announced that any remaining funds from this event would be donated to the school’s development. A monthly donation is made to the school development fund from my salary. None of my children study at this school; they attend schools in Colombo as per tradition. A green oasis surrounds the school, which educates 13,000 students.

“I participated in a road carpeting event this morning. This area has fully developed. The Pali and Buddhist University, Diyagama Moratuwa University’s Technology Department and Diyagama Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium are all located within this zone. Plans are underway to establish a sports university soon. The Engineering Faculty of Sri Jayewardenepura has been established in Mattegoda. This zone provides opportunities for everyone to live with confidence and security.

“That is why we created a 13-kilometre Poson Zone. The Panagoda Army Camp and Bodhirajaramaya Temple are located here. Around 400 military personnel from the Army supported the Dharma Rashmi Poson Zone and served at the Dansala, providing meals for three days to over 103,000 people, using 9,000 kilograms of rice and 1,500 bottles of coconut oil. Without the Army’s support, we could not have accomplished this.

“A separate lantern competition for children was held, awarding Rs. 500,000 for the first place, Rs. 350,000 for the second place, and Rs. 200,000 for the third place. I decided to encourage designers to create innovative lanterns. Large sums are awarded for bicycle races and cricket players. This is the first time in Sri Lankan history that a lantern competition of this magnitude has been held, with prizes of Rs 1 million for first place, Rs. 500,000 for second place, and Rs. 200,000 for third place. Prizes of Rs. 50,000 are awarded from the fourth to the fourteenth place and Rs. 25,000 from the fifteenth to the twenty-fifth place.

“This marks the highest prize money awarded in Sri Lankan history. The Chairman of Lake House, the Board of Directors, and the Editorial staff worked tirelessly to make this happen. Many doubted whether we could find the funds. Lake House received more than the prize money from previous promotional activities. I commend all those who worked tirelessly, contributing their judgments and efforts. I hope Lake House and every government institution will continue to unite annually to achieve even greater success. All the winners today are talented individuals. Judging was challenging. We plan to hold more competitions next year. Ten donors funded ten grand lanterns, and we hope to organise a lantern competition with these funds next year. May strength and courage be given to creating designs that honour parents and instil pride in teachers and strength in the country. I thank everyone who supported this grand initiative.”

Lake House Chairman Prof. Harendra Kariyawasam said: “On Poson Poya, Arahant Mahinda Thera brought not only Buddhism to Sri Lanka, but also wisdom to an unwise nation, refinement to a rude nation, and light to a nation in darkness. Thus, Poson Poya is special for us Sri Lankans. This is why the Dharma Rashmi Poson Zone was established, centred around Homagama city and the Colombo District. Under the guidance and patronage of the Minister, we at Lake House are honoured to organize the Poson Lantern Competition.

“The funds were donated by various philanthropists, and Lake House did not incur any expenses. The remaining funds will be donated to the Mahinda Rajapaksa School Fund as per the Minister’s instructions.

“Fifty-four lanterns entered a highly competitive contest, and winners were selected impartially by an expert judging panel. I extend my gratitude to the panel, including Dr. Hansamala Ritigahapola, Ravindra Guruge, Kushan Devinda, and Buddhadasa Galapaththi. I also thank the creators of this Poson Zone, Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana, the Directors of Lake House, the General Manager, Editors, Deputy General Managers of Sales and Digital sections, and all Lake House members. I also extend my thanks to the heads of television and radio stations involved in promotional activities. We at Lake House pray for the Minister’s long-lasting service to the country with strength and courage.”

Dr. Hansamala Ritigahapola said: “The judging panel was extensively involved in this task. We walked over 13 kilometres. There were more than 52 lanterns. We spoke with each participant, inquiring about the materials used and their methods. We discussed the participants’ concepts and perspectives. Selecting the winners was very challenging. We discussed the artistic aspects, lighting, and overall completion. Many participants went beyond the traditional aspects, showcasing their patience, vision, and creativity. Prisons and transport institutions also contributed. I extend my best wishes on behalf of the judging panel to all these participants.”

The ceremony was attended by Lake House Chairman Prof. Harendra Kariyawasam, Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation Chairman and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Prof. Sudantha Liyanage, Sri Lanka Transport Board Chairman Chartered Engineer Lalith De Alwis, State Engineering Corporation Chairman Engineer Kushan Devinda, Lake House Director Legal and Administration Janaka Ranathunga, Director Operations Manjula Makumbura, Director Editorial Sisira Paranatantrie, General Manager Sumith Kothalawala and Buddhadasa Galapaththi representing the Judges panel.

Pictures by Rukmal Gamage

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