10th May 2023 17:40:33 Hours
51 Infantry Division troops of the Security Force HQ-Jaffna joining hands with ‘Vesak’ arrangements, organized by all Divisions in the peninsula had their ‘Buddha Poornima’ celebrations, staged at Jaffna Sri Naga Vihara temple premises on the Vesak full moon Poya day (5 May).
The day’s agenda commenced with a ‘Bodhi Pooja’ conducted by Ven. Meegahajandure Siriwimala Thero, the Chief Incumbent at Sri Naga Vihara temple Jaffna.
As dusk fell, Hon Minister of Fisheries Douglas Devananda as the Chief Guest for the Vesak programme, together with other invitees was received by Major General D.B.S.N Bothota RWP RSP VSV USP psc, Commander, Security Forces-Jaffna on arrival in the company of the GOC, 51 Infantry Division, Major General S.W.B Welagedara RSP VSV USP ndc and several Tri service Officers.
The Chief Guest afterwards on invitation switched on ‘Vesak’ illuminations, lanterns and decorations in the temple compound and in adjacent areas. Hon. Jeevan Thiagarajah, Governor of Northern Province, Mr A Sivabalasundaran, District Secretary for Jaffna, Police, Navy and Air Force Officers and state officials were also associated with the event.
A spectacle of devotional songs (Bakthi Gee), jointly presented by Jaffna University undergraduates and Mannar District Secretariat officials afterwards got underway in the presence of a large crowd of civilians who flocked to the location.
As the last segment of the day's arrangements, distinguished invitees opened the ‘Dansela’ (free eatery) where more than 3000 people queued up and enjoyed the free meal, rich with rice and curries. Troops served foods and water to all those sight-seers while giving pride of place to priests and pregnant women during the mammoth arrangement.
Commander Northern Naval Command, Brigadier S.A Pathirana RSP, Commander Forward Maintenance Area-North, Senior Tri Forces and Police Officers in the Jaffna peninsula, Brigade Commanders, Commanding Officers, Officers and Other Ranks participated in the series of commemorative events.
