Commemorative Ceremony Gifts Essentials to Underprivileged Helambawewa Civilians

The 13th commemorative Pinkama (religious event) in memory of late Ven. Dr. Medagoda Sumanathissa Nayaka Thero, former Chancellor of the Sri Jayawardenapura University and the incumbent at Pepiliyana Sri Sunethra Devi Pirivena and Rajamaha Viharaya took place this year at Helambawewa with a difference on Friday (22) in the 622 Brigade area of the 62 Division Headquarters.

Late Nayaka Thero’s reputed disciple, Ven. Dr. Medagoda Abayathissa Thero spearheaded the arrangement by placing the focus on poverty-stricken villagers in Helambawewa. The day’s programme started with a Dhamma sermon, delivered to the civilians in the same evening before other humanitarian aids were given away.

During the programme, 140 pregnant women in those areas received nutrients, dry rations, clothes, baby items, mosquito nets, soap, milk powder, cash, bed sheets, etc to the value of about Rs. 7 lakhs. Afterwards, a stock of Sil clothes to the value of Rs. 7.5 lakhs were distributed among adults and civilians.

The donation of 10 sanitary-ware sets, valued at about Rs. 6 lakhs to far remote temples in rural areas in Vavuniya and Anuradhapura districts, along with wheelbarrows, metal equipment of farming to more than 40 selected temples also occurred around the same time.

Similarly, the donors spending nearly Rs. 8 lakhs constructed 5 agrarian wells in dry weather-affected zones in the most wanted areas, enabling both farmers and civilians to use water during drought seasons for both drinking and farming.

The climax of the series of commemorative events reached with the offer of Sangeeka Daana (alms) to more than 110 Buddhist monks in the region, largely organized and attended by Helambawewa villagers.

Brigadier L.A.N.S Wanigasinghe, General Officer Commanding, 62 Division and 622 Brigade troops under the Security Force Headquarters – Wanni (SFHQ-W) gave their maximum support for the success of those welfare projects in close cooperation with respective civil agencies, Police stations and state officials in the area.