19th October 2022 15:14:05 Hours
Troops of the 211 Brigade of the 21 Division under the Security Force HQ - Wanni on account of the 73rd Army anniversary offered ‘Saangika Daana’ (alms) to 100 Buddhist monks, resident in remote monasteries and temples in Medawachchiya and surrounding areas on Friday (7).
Troops organized the event at Medawachchiya, Issinbessagala Raja Maha Viharaya as per directions of the 211 Brigade Commander, Brigadier Chaminda Wijerathne, following sponsorship extended to the Army by Mr Sunil Wijewardana of ‘Sarana Buddhist Foundation’, together with Mr Seah Wong Chi, a Singaporean businessman. Due to prevailing economic hardships, many monastery-based monks in remote areas in the North Central Province find it difficult to get their ‘Sivupasa’ (essentials for monkhood) on a regular basis.
After facilitating their arrival at the location, troops conducted all the monks in a procession to the Dharmashala (preaching hall) where the alms-giving took place. The ‘Anushasana’ (oration) delivered by a chief monk praised the 211 Brigade’s initiative and arrangements in this regard before monks invoked blessings on the organizers and the sponsors.
Towards the end of the alms-giving, the generosity of the sponsors awarded each monk with Rs 10,000/= in cash in addition to the ‘Pirikara’ (offerings to monks). Brigadier Chaminda Wijerathne, 211 Brigade Commander joined the mammoth ‘Pinkama’, together with sponsors.
Commanding Officer, 14 Sri Lanka Artillery, Lieutenant Colonel T.S.G.P.S Amarasena, Second-in-Command, 2 (V) Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment, Civil Affairs Officer, 211 Brigade, Officers and Other Ranks of the 211 Brigade gave much-needed support to the success of the event.
