Lanterns illuminated the evening sky, earthen lamps dotted the road and pathways and lights decked up the entire building of Nawaloka Hospital when HE President Maithripala Sirisena inaugurated Vesak celebrations at the premises of Sri Lanka’s leader in private healthcare. The tradition of the annual celebration was hosted by Nawaloka Hospitals and Nawaloka Holdings, with Chairman Mr.Jayantha Dharmadasa and senior management, on hand to greet all guests. A star studded galaxy of cinama and television personalities mingled with other invitees, observing the intricate lanterns and other creative handwork crafted by employees. Spotted amidst the guests were Sriyani Amarasena, Sangeeta Weeraratne, Meena Kumari and Suraj Mapa.
Highlight of the evening was the Nawaloka Vesak Dansala which HE Maithripala Sirisena officially inaugurated and which gave out 10,000 parcels of dinner and 5000 ice creams on that night. The celebrity film stars were the judges of the Vesak lantern competition, painstakingly and lovingly crafted by employees of both Nawaloka Hospitals and Holdings. On display were Vesak art, Nisadas or spiritual poetry and greeting cards turned out by employees. The digitally illuminated Pandol, Vesak Drama and Bakthi Gee were all a part of the celebrity festivities that went on until dawn and enjoyed by the many Vesak revellers who had travelled from all parts of Sri Lanka.
“It was an honour to have HE Maithripala Sirisena as our special guest of honour to inaugurate the Vesak celebrations and traditions” exclaimed Chairman of Nawaloka Holdings and Nawaloka Hospitals, Mr.Jayantha Dharmadasa. “Our annual Vesak celebration is a platform that showcases creativity of our staff who have actively come together, regardless of their religion, in the planning and organising of the activities, thereby creating close bonding and team spirit” Dharmadasa went on to note.
Dharmadasa whilst thanking all those who participated in the festivities, said “It’s such a glorious opportunity for us to make our small contribution towards society along the cherished path”.
In keeping with the spirit of Vesak and in consideration of the plight of the many hundreds of thousands affected by the recent floods, Nawaloka hospital together with cinema artists and musicians organized several medical camps in key locations and despatched medicine and vital supplies to the distressed areas. All staff members of Nawaloka Holdings came forward to contribute one day’s salary towards aid and relief for people affected by the recent floods.
