Ministry of Defence initiated ‘Mihindu Seth Medura’, the wellness resort for life-time care of dependent War Heroes at Attidiya, Dehiwala, turned one year old on May 30, 2012.

A series of commemorative programmes to mark the milestone in its life span, got underway Wednesday (30) evening, giving pride of place to an all-night Pirith Chanting, religious rites and rituals.

The trailblazer behind the project, Mr Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Secretary Defence & Urban Development as the Chief Guest, graced the inauguration of those ceremonies, together with Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander of the Army under whose directions, this western province-based wellness resort is now functioning with the support of the Seva Vanitha Army Branch (SVAB).  

Prior to the onset of religious programmes, Mr Rajapaksa at the invitation of the Commander of the Army launched the new ‘Mihindu Seth Medura’ website, in which all details pertaining to therapeutic practices, facilities, accessories available and administrative roles are displayed. It also carries messages of greetings from the Secretary Defence and the Commander of the Army.

Minutes after its launch, members of the Maha Sangha were conducted to the venue in a colourful procession, inclusive of several dancing groups. Mr Rajapaksa after respectfully accepting the sacred relic casket placed it in the traditional Pirith Kotuwa (octagonal structure for recital) and invited the clergy to commence the blessings after offering the Deheth Wattiya (tray of betel) in accordance with age-old religious traditions.

A large gathering including the inmates at Mihindu Seth Medura, senior Army officers, relatives and other invitees participated in the inaugural religious performances. Mr Rajapaksa and Commander of the Army did not forget to share a couple of thoughts with the inmates and inquired into the progress of their well-being during their stay at the place before they left.

Management and administration of the Mihindu Seth Medura with some 50 plus inmates as the one and only western province-based wellness resort, fell on the Army after the Ministry of Defence, became highly impressed with the routine conduct of affairs at the pilot ‘Abimansala’ wellness resort project at Anuradhapura, now fully operational with some 52 dependent War Heroes of the north central province.    

Mihindu Seth Medura’s first anniversary commemorative arrangements include a mammoth alms-giving event to the monks on Thursday (31) early morning before its interactive programmes get underway on Friday (1) with the participation of all the inmates and their family members.

A musical entertainment plus a lunch treat to all attendees in the same afternoon culminates the first anniversary programmes.