21st June 2016 23:40:37 Hours
Lieutenant General Crishanthe De Silva, Commander of the Army, together with Mrs Nayana De Silva, President, Army Seva Vanitha Unit during the most sacred Poson Poya season (June 19 - 20) participated in several religious programmes that took place in the East.
Lieutenant General De Silva paid his respect to the sacred relics, now on display at Buddhangala Aranya Senasanaya (monastery) and performed religious observances, along with members of the Army serving the 24 Division who were instrumental in organizing elaborate meritorious arrangements in the temple premises.
During his stay there, the Commander carried the relics in a colourful precession before the religious observances began with hundreds of Buddhist flags, being carried by participating troops.
He was also honoured with an invitation to inaugurate the newly-built two-storied building in the monastery premises at the request of Ven Deegavapiye Susheema Thera, Chief Incumbent at Buddhangala monastery temple. The entire building was constructed by troops of the 24 Division and Engineer troops of the Army at the request of resident monks.
Afterwards, the Commander was invited to unveil the Ranaviru Stupa at Namalthalawe Shailabimbaramaya, in which Ven Gampaha Naradha Thero is the Chief Incumbent. A large gathering of devotees witnessed the ceremonial opening of the Stupa.
During the Commander’s stay in Buddhangala, he did not forget to share a couple of thoughts with the troops, engaged in various assignments and inquired into their needs and well-being. Major General K.M.U Wijeratne, Commander, Security Forces - East, Major General Rohana Bandara, General Officer Commanding, 24 Division, Brigade Commanders, Commanding Officers, senior officers and other ranks participated in those religious events in Buddhangala and elsewhere.
