Buddhist Monk Shows Respect for Disabled War Heroes & Takes Them on Shoulders to Worship ‘Sri Pada’

A rare gesture of deep respect and utmost gratitude, being displayed for the 18th consecutive year towards disabled defenders of the nation, came to light recently when Ven Daranagama Sumanarathana Thero of Jayarajarama Viharaya, Andiambalama, Katunayake, took a total of 27 disabled War Heroes on pilgrimage to the sacred ‘Sri Pada’ summit temple with the support of members of the Dayaka Sabha and 112 Brigade troops of the Security Force Headquarters - Central (SFHQ-C).

The same monk under the same project had so far taken 550 disabled War Heroes on pilgrimage to ‘Sri Pada’ in the past 18 years, mustering support of the temple laity and villagers. This year’s pilgrimage included 16 completely disabled War Heroes and 11 partly disabled ones.

As the pilgrimage wended its way after starting from Nallatanniya, members of Laxapana-based 19 Sri Lanka National Guard (SLNG) troops of the 112 Brigade also offered their assistance by way of carrying them on their shoulders and providing all possible assistance under the guidance of the monk and the Commanding Officer.

Upon their reach to the summit of the ‘Sri Pada’ on shoulders, assisting troops made arrangements for them to observe religious rites with the support of Ven Daranagama Sumanarathana Thero, the pioneer behind the project. A number of other pilgrims also extended their warm greetings to those War Heroes by way of offering refreshments, snacks and confectioneries during the climbing.