Army Contribution to ‘Poson’ Attracts Public Attention Island-wide

Sri Lanka Army troops, who have assisted in numerous ways to hold the Poson Day (27 June) on a grand scale exhibited their aesthetic skills elegant Poson decorations at the Army Headquarters, Island-wide Security Forces Headquarters and elsewhere in all formations.

Army Headquarters and the Army Buddhist Association under the close supervision of the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake, contributed to the phenomenon by staging elaborate arrangements with special focus on special Poson zones, concerts of devotional songs (Bakthi Gee), free eateries (Dansel), special religious programmes, dramas, etc.

Security Force Headquarters - Jaffna (SFHQ-J) with the support of all Divisions, Brigades and Units in the peninsula decorated major areas in the Jaffna penninsula with colourful lanterns and bulbs, set up special Poson zones in Point Pedro and Chavakachcheri areas and conducted Dansels for sight-seers through the coordination done by the 52 Division Headquarters and 55 Division Headquarters respectively. All these programmes displayed the spirits of reconciliation, harmony and co-existence. All those Poson arrangements were staged under the close supervision of Major General Darshana Hettiarachchi, Commander, Security Forces - Jaffna.

Similarly, Security Force Headquarters - Wanni (SFHQ-W) contributing their share to the Poson commemoration, organized a series of features in close coordination with the District Secretariat for Vavuniya and the ITN TV nature. Conduct of ‘Sil’ campaigns, ‘Dansel’ and display of lanterns in and around Madukanda area and at the SFHQ-W premises and display of Buddhist flags took the centrestage. Concerts of devotional songs (Bakthi Gee) in both Tamil and Sinhala languages, launched on the instructions of Major General Kumudu Perera, Commander, Security Forces - Wanni, drew the attention of all Poson sight-seers.

Similarly, Security Force Headquarters - Kilinochchi (SFHQ-KLN) staged a Poson zone in Mankulam, Kilinochchi. Bodhi Poojas, religious observances, devotional songs, display of lanterns, etc were among the host of other meritorious activities, conducted by the SFHQ-KLN. Meanwhile, Major General Niyshshanka Ranawana, Commander, Security Forces - Kilinochchi instructed under command troops to facilitate the conduct of these special arrangements.

Ven (Dr) Omalpe Sobhitha Nayaka Thero, Chief Sangha Nayaka of the Southern Province in Sri Lanka Ramagnna Nikaya and Chief Sangha Nayaka of Singapore after his participation in the mega donation programme at Mullaittivu on his way back went to the 57 Division area and joined a series of Poson arrangements in Mankulam area, together with Major General Vijitha Ravipriya, General Officer Commanding, 57 Division. Troops of the 57 and 65 Divisions contributed to the Poson arrangements. Catholic Fathers, Hindu Kurukkals (Priest) and Moulavis later on jointly declared opened the Poson zone in Mankulam area showing true sentiments of reconciliation, ethnic harmony and co-existance.

In the meantime, Security Force Headquarters - Mullaittivu (SFHQ-MLT) joined the event by producing a variety of multi-coloured lanterns and holding a Dansela for civilians in Mullaittivu area. Distribution of refreshments among civilians was among other major attractions held around Mullaittivu area, following instructions given by Major General Dushyantha Rajaguru, Commander, Security Forces - Mullaittivu.

Likewise, SFHQ-West troops on the directions of Major General Sathyapriya Liyanage, Commander, Security Forces - West, together with the troops of the Army Buddhist Association, held a full-day ‘Sil’ observance programme at Panagoda Sri Bodhirajarama temple. More than 2500 Buddhist nuns attended the event. Moreover, a gram Dansela was conducted in front of the Sri Bodhirajarama temple. They also launched a mobile devotional songs (Bakthi Gee) float on the same day in Panagoda Army Cantonment area.

At Diyatalawa, Security Force Headquarters – Central (SFHQ –Cen) put up a series of arrangements to mark the event. In addition to lanterns, a Dansela held at the cultural centre in Diyatalawa attracted a large gathering. SFHQ – Cen troops contributed enthusiastically to organize the Poson Zone in liaison with Sri Vivekarama Viharaya, Uduarawa at Bandarawela where lanterns were exhibited on the directions of Major General Rukmal Dias, Commander, Security Forces – Central.

In the Eastern theatre, National Poson zones, display of lanterns and decorations, staging of Buddhist dramas, devotional song concerts and ‘Dansel’ (free eateries) featured prominently among arrangements, organized by the Security Force Headquarters - East (SFHQ-E). Decoration covered Polonnaruwa town, and other areas on the directions of the Commander, Security Forces – East, Major General Santhusitha Pananwala.

In the meantime, 22 Division Headquarters in Trincomalee added their share to the conduct of the sacred Poson Perahera at Trincomalee Jayasumanarama Maha Viharaya on account of the Poson season (June 28 - 29).

Troops crafted a number of colourful lanterns, made of rattan and paper and hung them in the temple premises to enhance spirits of Poson phenomenon.

Under the patronage of the Chief Incumbent Ven Trincomalee Gnanakirthi Thero, the festival got underway with the participation of General Officer Commanding, 22 Division Major General Aruna Jayasekara, DIG Trincomalee, Mr. Nimal Perera, Senior State Officials, tri-service Senior Officers, Police and Civil Security Department and a large gathering of distinguished invitees.

In the meantime, troops of 22 Division, in collaboration with 'Deepa Wiyaptha Pansil Surakime Padanama' - Embilipitiya organized a Poson programme during 27 - 28 June at the historic Girihaduseya Temple.

In response to a request made by the Chairman of Pansil Surakime Padanama, Dr. Samarasena Dias from the Commander of the Army, the troops assisted these events under the direct supervision of the General Officer Commanding 22 Division, Major General Aruna Jayasekara. Troops cleaned up the entire temple premises, prior to the Pinkama arrangements and gave their fullest contribution to make this meritorious event a success.

More than 3000 devotees attended the Dansela (free eatery) held on 27 June with the contribution of all Brigade Commanders and Commanding Officers under Command to 22 Division.

A Bodhi Pooja Pinkama and an alms-giving to Buddhist monks in the presence of devotees culminated the proceedings. The Chief Incumbent of Girihaduseya Temple Ven. Devinuwara Chandima Thero delivered the Anusasana and invoked blessings on Army personnel and the country at large.

An all-night Pirith Chanting ceremony followed on 28 June at the temple premises where the members of Pansil Surakime Foundation, devotees and the troops attended.

Meanwhile, Gajaba Regiment (GR) Headquarters in Saliyapura, Anuradhapura staged a Poson Zone by displaying lanterns and staying a recital of Poson Bathi Gee in the GR Headquarters premises. Major General Shavendra Silva, Colonel of the Regiment, GR and Mrs Sujeewa Nelson, Chairperson, GR-SVU added more importance to the Poson arrangements through their presence.

Meanwhile, 581 Brigade troops of the 58 Division also organized a Dansela (free eatery) to mark the Poson Poya day at Sri Dheerananda Maha Vidyalaya in Boossa, Galle.

Meanwhile, the Combat Training School (CTS) in Ampara on account of Poson conducted a mega rice 'Dansela’ on Thursday (28) under the close supervision of Brigadier Dharmasri Kahapola, Commandant, CTS and with the active support of all troops in the CTS. Nearly 4000 civilians received free meals during the arrangement.

In the meantime, the newly-built Buddhist shrine inside the 3 Sri Lanka Armoured Corps (SLAC) premises at Kalaththewa in Anuradhapura was also inaugurated for veneration on account of Poson Day. This meritorious project was made possible, following the generosity extended by all ranks serving the SLAC at Kalaththewa.

Similarly, on a directive of the General Officer Commanding, 24 Division, Major General Mahinda Mudalige, all under command Brigades and battalions joined hands with the District Secretariat and the Ampara Urban Council and decorated the entire Ampara township with colourful Poson lanterns to coincide with the Poson commemoration. The Poson zone attracted thousands of civilians of all ethnicity.

These colourful lanterns will remain open for four days until the 03 July. Similarly, 11 SLNG troops served herbal 'Belimal' drink to thousands of sightseers who thronged Ampara town during the first three days.