Army Flags Receive Symbolic Blessings Under ‘Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya’ Shade

Members of the Maha Sangha chanted Seth Pirith and invoked blessings on all Army Flags Friday (30) morning during the annual Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Army flag blessing ceremony that was held on account of the forthcoming 67th Army Anniversary and the Army Day (Oct 10).

Friday’s (30) Buddhist ceremony, the second in sequel was one among a series of multi-religious observances, organized to coincide with the anniversary and saw hundreds of Army soldiers-turned flag-bearers, attired in glittering dresses, representative of the entire organization, lined up inside the precincts before all Army flags were taken to the Udamaluwa (upper layer) for symbolic invocation of blessings.

The day’s religious ceremony set off after the arrival of the Chief Guest, Lieutenant General Crishanthe De Silva, Commander of the Army. Prior to the offerings, the Commander paid his obeisance to the Atamasthanadhipathi at the Awasageya and offered the traditional Deheth Wattiya (tray of betel), formally inviting him to perform anniversary blessings, together with other members of the Maha Sangha. Ven Nugatenne Pannananda Nayake Thero, Incumbent, Sri Jayanthi Viharaya and Ven Ralapanave Dhammajothi Nayake Thero, Incumbent, Lankaramaya led the religious observances.

Colourfully-dressed Army cultural troupe’s rhythmic beats of traditional and auspicious drums, Hevisi and Magul Bera, reverberated around the most sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi precincts, heralding the conduct of the event and a colourful pageant afterwards conducted the monks to the Udamaluwa.

As has been the practice, all the Army Flags, representing the Army Headquarters, the Volunteer Force Headquarters, all Security Force Headquarters, all Forward Maintenance Areas, Divisions, Task Forces, Area Headquarters, Sub-Area Headquarters, Brigades, Regiments, Units and Army Training Schools, were thus taken in the colourful procession around the Weli Maluwa (lower layer) thrice before those flags were accepted by senior officers, awaiting at the Meda Maluwa (middle layer).

Those flags were afterwards respectfully handed over to the Commander of the Army for placement at the foot of the most sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya in the upper layer for symbolic blessings after laying flowers.

After the flags were laid on a bed of sweet jasmine and lotus flowers at the foot of the Sri Maha Bodhiya, members of the Maha Sangha began performing religious rites and chanted Seth Pirith, invoking blessings on the country’s indispensable Guardians of the Nation and extolled the Army’s contribution and dedication towards the motherland. A special Anushasana (oratory), made by the prelate on the occasion wished long life to the Army and its brave members.

In another gesture, a special cash donation of Rs 1 million for development of the sacred place was then offered by the Commander to Ven Ralapanave Dhammajothi Nayake Thero on behalf of the Chief Incumbent at Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya as a symbolic gesture of appreciation towards the development of the sacred place and the well-being of the Sangha fraternity after the main ceremony.

The traditional Flag Blessing ceremony at Anuradhapura Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi preceded last Wednesday’s (28) religious performances at the Sri Dalada Maligawa, attaching pride of place to the veneration of ‘Shaareerika’ (physical) relics at Kandy at the first place before offerings were made today (30) to the sacred, ‘Paribhogika’ (places or objects of use) relics of the Buddha at Anuradhapura.

Commandant, Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force, Commander Security Forces Wanni, all Principal Staff Officers, Commanders-Security Force Headquarters, Commandants, Commanders, General Officers Commanding, Brigade Commanders and a gathering of senior officers were also present during the ceremony.

Ven Nugathenne Pannananda Nayaka Thero, Incumbent, Sri Jayanthi Viharaya, Anuradhapura, Ven Ihala Halmillewe Rathanapala Thero, Incumbent, Jethawanarama Viharaya, Ven Ralapanawe Dhammajothi Nayaka Thero, Incumbent, Lankaramaya Viharaya, Ven Eethawetunuwewe Gnanarathana Thero, Incumbent, Mirisawetiya Viharaya, Ven Kahalle Gnaninda Thero and Ven Kudalagamuwe Gnanasiri Thero were also associated with the day’s ceremony at Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya.

Soon after the main ceremonies at Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi were over, the Commander and participating officers went to the wellness resort, ‘Abimansala - 1’ at Anuradhapura where some 50 - 55 dependent War Heroes are receiving rehabilitation and recuperation. The visitors inquired into their well-being, gave gift parcels and sat together with them for a fellow-lunch as one more segment of the day’s events.

The Army, raised in October 1949 as the country’s most formidable land force to be reckoned with is now comprised of 24 regiments, including volunteer ones, and engaged in a multiplicity of nation-building development projects after its landmark victory over terrorism in the year 2009.