Army Troops Share ‘Poson’ Splendour with Devotees & Sight-seers

Sri Lanka Army troops across the country gave their full support for commemorative programmes on the sacred Poson day by way of conducting a series of free eateries (Dansel), Bodhi Poojas, zones of Poson lanterns, Sil campaigns, participating in sacred relic expositions and a variety of other meritorious programmes in their respective locations.

551 Brigade, 552 Brigade and 553 Brigade Headquarters of the Security Force Headquarters - Jaffna (SFHQ-J) got Dansel organized in their respective locations on Poson Poya day (8). Several other meritorious events, including a ‘Bodhi Pooja’ at Nagadeepa Viharaya, organized by the 51 Division Headquarters and a blood donation campaign at Jaffna Teaching Hospital got underway on the same day (8).

Troops in the Security Force Headquarters - Wanni (SFHQ-W) meanwhile put up a Poson zone at the SFHQ premises on account of Poson Poya. At Etambegaskada temple, a special Bhakthi Gee recital got underway with the support of SFHQ-W troops. Sight-seers watched the display of many colourful and spectacular Poson lanterns, crafted by Wanni troops. At the same time, a Dansela and a separate Poson zone organized by the 21 Division Headquarters troops of the SFHQ-W at Anuradhapura attracted a large gathering of pilgrims and devotees. Similarly, Gajaba Regiment Headquarters in its ‘Poson Zone’ displayed a large number of lanterns and held a devotional song recital (Bhakthi Gee) on the full moon Poya day.

Meanwhile, Army troops facilitated the transport of 38 Bhikkus and their family members to the ‘Savanak Res Aloka Pooja’ at Thanthirimalaya Raja MahaViharaya premises at the request of ITN authorities.

Similarly, 66 Division and 57 Division troops of the Security Force Headquarters - Kilinochchi (SFHQ-KLN) erected a Poson zone and gave away food during a huge Dansela in their respective areas including Kilinochchi town and Pooneryn areas. Meanwhile, 65 Division troops distributed 50 nutrition food packets among 50 pregnant women in the area in addition to a Dansela held by them.

In the meantime people in Mullaittivu areas enjoyed free meals, distributed on account of the Poson commemoration at Kokilai (59 Division), Oddusudan and Mutiyankattu (64 Division), Vellamullliwaikkal (68 Division) and Puthukudyirippu (681 Brigade) of the Security Force Headquarters – Mullaittivu (SFHQ-MLT).

In the east of the country, several Army formations under the Security Force Headquarters - East (SFHQ-E) commemorated the event with a variety of ‘Poson’ Poya Day programmes. A ‘Poson’ zone at Polonnaruwa, organized by the Sirasa TV was supported by SFHQ-E troops, placing more than 40 colourful lanterns for display. The programme included a Poson Bhakthi Gee’ (devotional song) recital and a rice and curry Dansela, sponsored by the troops of the Forward Maintenance Area - East (FMA-E) for two days.

Troops of the SFHQ-E added their share to the Poson commemoration by holding a rice ‘Dansela’ at Wellikanda Poson zone, close to the Security Force Headquarters premises. Meanwhile, 22 Division troops of the SFHQ-E in Uppuveli area extended their cooperation for conduct of the exposition of special relics at Jayasundararamaya in Uppuveli. In the meantime, display of Poson lanterns, crafted by 24 Division troops of the SFHQ-E got underway at Sri Subhadraramaya, Kalmunai and Buddhangala Viharaya premises in Ampara.

Meanwhile, 23 Division Headquarters organized a programme to improve spiritual values of the serving troops at Laya Waves Hotel, Kalkuda under the auspices of ‘Maha Karuna Buddhist Society - Singapore’ on 10 june.

In another initiative, school items, stationeries and essentials for pregnant women were distributed among 140 civilians, including 225 students at Punani, Punnakudah, Monarathenna, Aselapura, Wellawadiya and Kadawathmaduwa villages in the 23 Division area on account of ‘Poson’.

Similarly, the Security Force Headquarters - West (SFHQ-West) took steps to dispatch a stock of colourful Poson lanterns crafted by SFHQ – WEST troops to eight Poson zones in Tangalle, Polonnaruwa, Bingiriya, Maharagama, Trincomalee, Dompe, Ruwanwella and Katargama areas.

In the meantime, all Divisions, Brigades and under command Battalions of the Security Force Headquarters - Central (SFHQ-C) went ahead with several Poson programmes in Hambantota, Kandy and Diyatalawa areas. In Kandy, 11 Division troops displayed several Poson lanterns to mark the event. Similarly, SFHQ-C troops gave their backing to the conduct of Poson programmes in Mirahathenna Viharaya, Bandarawela and Kadurugoda Viharaya in Diyatalawa. SFHQ-C troops meanwhile gave their support for conduct of the annual Poson perahera at historic Thissamaharama Rajamaha Viharaya.

In a similar way, 53 Division Headquarters added their share to the event and produced many ‘Poson’ lanterns, using natural raw materials. The display of those lanterns was supported actively by Air Mobile Brigade, 532 and 533 Brigade troops and other under command battalions.

People from all walks of life and devotees flocked to respective areas to watch colourful spectacles in the Poson zones.