28th September 2023 21:33:43 Hours
The second religious ceremony of Buddhist faith in sequence to bless the forthcoming 74th Army anniversary (Oct 10) got underway this morning (Sep 28) at the most hallowed Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of Tooth) in Kandy where sacred 'Shareerika' relics remain enshrined for veneration.
The guiding leadership of the organization, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, Commander of the Army as the main participant in the day's blessing ceremony in Kandy arrived at the Maligawa premises, to be received by Major General W.A.S.S Wanasinghe RSP VSV USP ndu Chief of Staff in the company of Major General D M K D B Pussella RWP RSP, Commandant of Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force and few other Senior Officers.
In conformity with traditions, multi-coloured Army flags of the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force, all Security Force Headquarters, Forward Maintenance Areas, Divisions, Brigades, Regiments, Training Centres and formations across the country that add symbolic value to the living memory and the dignity of the organization which has been fondly recognized as the ‘Protectors of the Nation’, took the centre-stage of attraction as those flags were taken respectfully in procession to the upper chamber of the Sri Dalada Maligawa by representative Officers/Non Commissioned Officers of each unit, led by the Chief Guest, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage.
As the Head of the organization, the Commander of the Army carried the Sri Lanka Army Flag at the front of the procession. All those flags were subsequently delivered to the monks in charge of the ‘Thevava’ at the upper chamber where chanting of ‘Seth Pirith’ and conduct of religious observances, invoked blessings on the Army’s long journey for defence of the country.
Representative Senior Officers after religious observances received the flags back and handed them over to relevant appointees afterwards. The Army Chief at the same occasion symbolically presented a cash donation to the Mr. Pradeep Nilanga Dela Bandara, Diywadana Nilame for use of further development of this most-venerated sacred place on behalf of all in the Army.
The whole of the arrangement was jointly organized by the Adjutant General Branch, Security Force Headquarters Central, 11 Infantry Division Headquarters in Pallakale and Directorate of Personnel Administration.
The Commander then joined the offer of ‘Gilanpasa’ and the 'Buddha Pooja' to the shrine in the lower chamber before he participated in the offer of alms (Sangeeka Daana) to the Buddhist monks who were conducted in procession to the Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of Tooth) compound. Mrs. Janaki Liyanage President of Army Seva Vanitha Unit was also associated with the alms-giving.
Ven Anamaduwe Dhammadassi Thero Anunayake of Asgiriya Chapter delivered an oration (anushasana) and commended the Army's eventful 74 years of existence and its multiple roles which have been launched for the best interests of the Nation.
Offer of 'Pariskara' to venerable members of the Maha Sangha by the Army Chief and other representative Officers and Other Ranks brought the religious ceremonies in Kandy to culmination.
Major General S R B Aluvihare RWP RSP ndu psc , Adjutant General, Major General W.W.H.R.R.V.M.N.D.K.B Niyangoda RWP RSP VSV USP ndu psc, Commander Security Force Headquarters Central, Major General R.M.M Ranasinghe WWV RWP RSP, General Officer Commanding of 11 Infantry Division, Senior Officers and several Officers joined during the ceremony.
