'Maha Karuna' Philanthropists Go to Wanni & Offer Alms & School Accessories to Hundreds

Security Force Headquarters - Wanni (SFHQ-W) in coordination with the World Young Buddhist Association (WYBA) and the Maha Karuna Buddhist Association (MKBA) of Malaysia launched a multiple welfare project for both Buddhist monks and 385 selected students resident in the Wanni region during January 28 - 29.

Under the auspices of Ven. Mugunuwela Anuruddha Thero, President, MKBA, assistance was provided by the SFHQ-W troops to organize a mega alms-giving project for more than 500 monks at Siri Sumanarama temple in Periyaulukkukulama on Sunday (28), in which financial incentives and crockery sets to 64 selected temples were also distributed.

Prior to the alms-giving, those monetary incentives were provided to all the monks for promotion of their Dhamma knowledge and education.

After the alms-giving ceremony was concluded, all devotees and civilians in the Wanni who were present at the temple premises were treated to a delicious lunch treat as a part of the project.

The following day (29), those Malaysian philanthropists met more than 385 needy students at Periyaulukkukulama Sri Sumanarama Dhamma School and Awaranthulawa Sri Chethiyagiri Temple and gave away school accessories and other essentials as incentives following the sponsorship, offered by Malaysian donors.

Both events (alms-giving and donation of accessories) were attended by Ven. Mugunuwela Anuruddha Thero, President, MKBA and General Secretary of World Young Buddhist Association, Mr Somaratne Vidanapathirana, District Secretary for Vavuniya, Major General Kumudu Perera, Commander, Security Forces – Wanni (SF-W), Mr M.I.M.S. Janaka, Divisional Secretary for Vavuniya, together with Malaysian members of both organizations.

Able assistance and guidance of both Ven. Mahakachchikodiye Dhammananda Thero and Ven Periyaulukkulame Sumanatissa Thero enabled the Security Forces to organize both events at respective venues.

Commanding Officers and troops of the 22 Gajaba Regiment and 2 (V) Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment under the SFHQ-W gave their support for both mega events. Brigade Commander 211 Brigade, Colonel Tharaka Rathnasekara and General Officer Commanding, 21 Division, Major General Ruwan de Silva were also associated with both ceremonies.

Major General Kumudu Perera, taking a special interest received the assistance of Principals, teachers and Grama Niladari officials in selecting most deserving recipients.