The school that built the lantern which won the first place receives Rs. 500,000:
Second Place Winner in lantern Competition Receives Rs. 200,000:
Third Place Prize of Rs 100,000 Awarded in Homagama Lantern Contest:
Homagama witnessed a display of creativity and community spirit during the ‘Dharma Rashmi 2024’ lantern competition. Organized under the guidance of Minister of Transport, Highways and Mass Media and acting Minister of Education Dr. Bandula Gunawardena, the event marked its second successful year.
The competition saw a turnout of approximately 1,000 lanterns crafted by schools within the Homagama Education Zone. These creations were showcased along the road stretching from the NSBM Green University campus to the Pitipana Mahinda Rajapaksa College, providing a visual treat for visitors from June 21 to 23.
The culmination of this festival took place at the Homagama Pitipana Mahinda Rajapaksa Vidyalaya Sports Complex on June 25.
The senior section of Homagama President’s College clinched the top prize, receiving Rs 500,000. Teacher G.G. Lorani and three students from the winning team accepted the award from Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana. Watareka Junior College earned the second spot, with Principal K.G. Ashoka Malani, Teacher H.A. Lakmali Hettiarachchi, and six students representing the school to receive Rs 200,000. The middle section of Mahinda Rajapaksa School, represented by two students, secured third place and were awarded Rs 100,000.
The lanterns were evaluated by a panel of judges including retired Aesthetic Education Director Thushara Gunathilaka, Senior Lecturer Punyasiri Gamage, and Assistant Education Director Ruwani Jayalath.
The prize-giving ceremony was graced by Homagama Divisional Secretary B.A. Daminda Chinthaka, of State Development and Design Corporation Chairman Kushan Devinda, Associated Newspapers of Ceylon (ANCL) Chairman Professor Harendra Kariyawasam, Director Finance Dr. Sunil Jayantha Navaratne, Director Editorial Sisira Paranatantrie, Director Legal Janaka Ranatunga, General Manager Sumit Kothalawala,Homagama education Zonal Director Hemantha Gamage, Homagama Mahinda Rajapaksa School Principal J.D. Sarath Bandu Gunasekera, Homagama Mahinda Rajapaksa School Assistant Principal Venerable Yasassi Thera, Homagama Middle School Principal Pushpani Adihetti, and other dignitaries and students.
Pictures by Sulochana Gamage and Dushmantha Mayadunne
