Cinema Dansala’

‘Cinema Dansala’ - the exhibition of local and foreign films on Buddhist themes was the central feature of the Festival, where visitors could see a range of films, all free of charge, as ‘Dansala’ denotes a place where one could obtain a free gift. The films depict some aspects of the essence of the philosophy, which was freely available to all visitors through screens sponsored by several Companies.

Among the feature films exhibited were the acclaimed “Angulimala”, “Amrapali”, “Asoka” and “Uthpalawanna”, while “Jathaka Stories” were displayed through “Digital Pandals” on jumbo screens. Documentaries on holy Buddhist sites were also screened. “Jathaka Stories” were displayed on three seperate screens on the digital format, developed by Ven. Ellawala Vijithananda, who had created the concept after several years of experimentation. The presentations were enthusiastically received by the viewers, especially the children who were able to grasp the stories easily through the clear depiction brought through the digital format.

This technique which was exposed for the first time will have a tremendous scope for advancement in the years ahead with the rapidly developing Information Technology.

Photography Exhibition

The Exhibition and Competition was aimed at the promotion of Buddhist ethics, moral values and discipline through the utilization of advanced media techniques. It is intended to bring about a wholesome international harmony and cooperation through these advanced media, as a first step towards the achievement of this high ideal.

The exhibition was organized by an energetic group from the Photographic Art Society - Ananda College (2005 - 2007). The winners will receive digital still cameras as prizes, while the entries of distinction will receive Merit Awards.The entire photographic exhibition and awards are sponsored by KODAK, giving encouragement to the vast resevoir of talent spread across the country.

The panel of judges of the competition was made up of the eminent photographic experts Mr. L.E. Samararatne, H.M.R. Perera, G. Hettiarachchi.The exhibition will be an annual feature at the VESAK Festival and its scope will be enlarged to include entries from the world over.