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Sri Lanka Army

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Special 'Abishekam' Pooja Blesses Army's Future March

Hindu religious observances (Abishekam) that invoke blessings on the forthcoming 62nd Army anniversary and Army Day (October 10) celebrations took place at Sri Ponnambalam Vaneshwarar Kovil, Colombo 13 Tuesday (4) evening, headed by Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander of the Army, in accordance with ancient Hindu traditions.

This special ceremony of Hindu religious rites and rituals, performed by a team of ten priests was coordinated by the Army Hindu Association, in consultation with the Chief Priest (Kurukkal) Rev Suresh at this ancient temple.

The Abishekam Pooja invoked blessings on the symbolic Army Flag that was presented by the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya at the occasion to suit Hindu religious performances.

Hindu blessings of this nature occur at a time the Sri Lanka Army, moving away from its previous battlefield roles in the north and east is readily poised to carry out a series of nation-building roles at the request of the government and promote peace, harmony and reconciliation in war-ravaged areas.

Lieutenant General Jayasuriya in symbolic recognition of the temple’s long service to the Army and the Hindu community made a monetary donation of Rs 25,000/= towards the temple development fund.    

Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, senior officers, Chairman, Sri Lanka Army Hindu Association and a representative gathering of all the regiments attended the special Pooja.    

On October 1st (Saturday), the Army started off its annual religious ceremonies in connection with the forthcoming Army Day (October 10) and 62nd Army Anniversary following a special Flag Blessing ceremony at Anuradhapura Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi precincts.