Disabled War Heroes Taken to Sri Pada on Shoulders

'Sumana Ranaviru Sahana Padanama’, founded by Ven Daranagama Sumanarathana Thero with the approval of Ministry of Defence, Commander of the Army and the Directorate of Rehabilitation once again took a group of 12 fully disabled War Heroes on pilgrimage to the sacred Sri Pada during 16 - 17 February in a moving gesture of gratitude and consideration towards those who sacrificed for the betterment of our tomorrow.

Ven Daranagama Sumanarathana Thero of Jayarajarama Viharaya, Andiambalama, Katunayake through his 'Sumana Ranaviru Sahana Padanama’, together with the support of his members of laity has taken a few more than 550 disabled War Heroes on pilgrimage to Sri Pada in the past 18 years, carrying them on shoulders.

As the pilgrimage wended its way after starting from Nallatanniya, members of the Security Force Headquarters - Central (SFHQ-Cen) on the directions of Major General Rukmal Dias, Commander, Security Forces - Central (SF-Cen) also assisted the pilgrims.

On the guidelines of the monk, the Kuruwita-based Gemunu Watch (GW) Regimental Headquarters gave their blessings to the project on the instructions of Major General Dampath Fernando, Deputy Chief of Staff and Colonel of the Regiment, GW. The programme was closely coordinated by the Directorate of Rehabilitation on the instructions of its Director, Brigadier Shantha Thirunavukarasu as per directions given by the Commander of the Army.

Upon their reach to the summit of the ‘Sri Pada’ on shoulders, assisting troops made arrangements for them to observe religious observances with the support of Ven Daranagama Sumanarathana Thero, the pioneer behind the project. A number of other pilgrims also extended their warm greetings to those War Heroes by way of offering refreshments, snacks and confectioneries during the climbing showing their sentiments of gratitude and warmth.