“Perambara Dakma”, a special convention of the Patriotic National Movement (PNM) was held in Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium in Colombo on the 27^th.  Two volumes – “Perambara Dakma (Sight of the Dawn sky) and “Ithihasaye katusatahan” (Sketches of history) were presented at the Convention. Our camera captured the following instances.

The Special Convention was declared open by lighting the traditional oil lamp. The lamp, in the shape of Sri Lanka, being lit by the Members of the Executive Committee of PNM.

Members of Executive Committee seated on the intricately decorated stage.

The large gathering at Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium listening to Ven. Elle Gunawansa Thera.

Ven. Panama Chandraratne Thera, who teaches Buddhist Philosophy at Panama Maha Vidyalaya,  being presented with “Desha Bahakthi” award by Ven. Elle Gunawansha Thera, Joint President of PNM, for the service rendered to the sons and daughters of the Motherland. Mr. Wimal Weerawanse, Joint President is also in the picture.

The academic staff of Panama Maha Vidyalaya, in Ampara posing for a group photograph after receiving “Desha Bhakthi”, an award the students of the school received for the distinction in school work. This school is situated in a very remote area in Ampara. (This year 19 students of the school sat the G.C.E. A/L examination and all got through while 17 were selected to the Universities.)

A young samanera receiving the volume “Perambara Dakma” from Ven. Elle Gunawansha Thera. Ven. Elle Gunawansa Thera in conversation with the young ‘samanera’.

“Perambara Dakma” the first publication of Patriotic National Movement (PNM) being presented to a Muslim child by Ven. Elle Gunawansha Thera symbolizing the future of the Nation.

“Ithihasaya Katusatahan” (Sketches of Ceylon History), the first translation by PNM being presented to three Sinhalese, Tamil & Muslim students by Dr. Gunadasa Amarasekera, Joint Secretary of PNM symbolizing the future of the Nation. (This work, which was not communalist, is the creation by the intellect Ponnambalam Arunachalam for the independence of the whole Nation.)

The members of the Executive Committee of Patriotic National Movement (PNM) with the right hand on their chests pledge their dedication to the future of the Motherland and the Nation.

Members of PNM pledge to dedicate themselves for the Motherland and the Nation.

Ven. Elle Gunawansha Thera and Mr. Wimal Weerawanse, MP,  Joint Presidents of  Patriotic National Movement delivering their speeches.

A special song “Perambara Dakma” was sung at the Convention by Artistes Narada Amaratunga, Chamila Dilrukshi, Sisira Amarabandu, Krishanthe Erandaka, Gayani Ruwanmalee and Ajith Kumara Herath.