PAYING his respect to age-old traditions, Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya made a visit to the Most Ven. Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Thero, Maha Nayaka of Asgiriya Chapter this morning (6) in Kandy and later on distributed fifty wheel chairs and two-hundred crutches during a brief ceremony at the historic Mangul Maduwa (ceremonial hall).
Lieutenant General Jayasuriya visited the monastery as number one on his day’s agenda and offered Atapirikara to the Maha Nayaka Thero in accordance with historic traditions. Ven. Asgiriya Maha Nayaka Thero was not available in Kandy when the Army Chief visited Malwatte Chapter Maha Nayaka Thero a few weeks ago soon after he assumed duties as Commander of the Army.
The Asgiriya prelate invoked blessings on the new appointment and exchanged views on matters of concern with the visiting military chief. Lieutenant General Jayasuriya towards the end of the interaction presented a special memento to the Nayaka Thero as a symbol of respect and veneration.
The Army chief afterwards made a visit to the Temple of Tooth (Dalada Maligawa) and observed religious rites amidst other devotees who had by then flocked to the inner chamber for offerings.
A few minutes later, Commander during a special brief ceremony at the historic Magul Maduwa gave away fifty wheel chairs and two-hundred crutches to a section of soldiers who became disable during the Wanni humanitarian operations. The stock has been donated by His Excellency, the President Mahinda Rajapaksa to the Army to be distributed among War Heroes.
Lieutenant General Jayasuriya late in the evening, along with Mrs. Manjulika Jayasuriya and members of his family took time off to witness the mammoth and spectacular final Randoli Perahera at Sri Dalada Maligawa.
Lieutenant General Jayasuriya and his retinue were received on arrival at the historic Temple of Tooth by Diyawadana Nilame, Nilanga Dela Bandara.
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