21st May 2018 15:27:38 Hours
The historic and most sacred Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya, sanctified by the visit of the Enlightened One bore the hallmarks of an illuminated paradise of divinities on Saturday (19) as dusk fell when 28,619 oil lamps, symbolizing invaluable sacrifices of all fallen War Heroes began to glitter across the temple premises as a tribute to their treasured memory.
The 'Aaloka Pooja' (lighting) arrangement, the first of its kind after culmination of the war, was organized in coordination with the Army Buddhist Association, members of sister services, Police and Civil Security Department (CSD), following a new conceptual direction of the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake. The event assumed greater significance with the gracious presence of HE the President for the meritorious ceremony of spiritual value.
The ceremony of light coincided with the main state commemorative event on National War Heroes' Day (May 19) afternoon at Battaramulla where a formal wreath-laying ceremony saluted their memories in a solemn and dignified ceremony. (See separate story)
The conduct of the 'Aaloka Pooja' that kindled 28,619 lamps, a move unprecedented in living memory, each dedicated symbolically to fallen tri service, Police, CSD War Heroes and those went missing in action during the LTTE violence transferred merits to the departed ones and venerated their supreme sacrifices while recalling their memories of gallantry and valour, which created a better tomorrow for everyone in the island.
President Maithripala Sirisena, State Minister of Defence, Secretary of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, Commanders of the Army, Navy and Air Force and a representative gathering of next of kin of fallen War Heroes lit several of those lamps at Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya before offer of Gilanpasa and religious observances, amid beating of Hewisi drums.
HE the President offered the tray of betel and made the traditional invitation to the monks for performance of religious observances. Ven Dr Kollupitiye Mahinda Sangarakkitha Nayake Thera, Incumbent, Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya, State Officials and a large gathering of next of kin of War Heroes were associated with the mega arrangement.
Adidas footwear | Air Jordan Release Dates Calendar
