28th September 2016 15:54:51 Hours
The precursor to the commemoration of the forthcoming 67th Anniversary of the Sri Lanka Army and the Army Day (October 10), begins on Wednesday (28) with an inaugural flag-blessing ceremony and other religious observances at Kandy Sri Dalada Maligawa.
In Kandy, offer of Buddha Pooja, alms and Ata Pirikara to 67 members of the Maha Sangha, Pirith chanting and invocation of blessings symbolically on all the Army flags make up the initial ceremony in connection with the Army anniversary.
The traditional and colourful flag blessing ceremony at Anuradhapura Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi precincts has been fixed for September 30 with the participation of the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Crishanthe De Silva and a large gathering of Army officers and other ranks. On the same occasion, the Commander on behalf of the Sri Lanka Army presents a financial contribution to the development of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi complex.
Islamic prayers to bless the Army meanwhile are scheduled to take place on October 4 at Jumma Mosque in Colombo 03, following arrangements made by the Muslim Association in the Army. All Muslim officers and other rankers would participate in this prayer session.
On Wednesday (October 5), the Hindu religious observances, organized by the Army Hindu Association get underway at Sri Ponnambalam Vaneshwar Kovil at Colombo 13 where a special ceremony would bless Army flags as in other religious instances.
On October 6, members of the Christian faith in the Army will gather at the All Saints Church in Borella for a special mass to bless the Army. It has been organized by the Army Christian Association.
The Kataragama Kiri Vehera premises and the Devala precincts will remain adorned with Army flags and illuminations on October 7 for conduct of religious ceremonies for the same purpose on a grand scale. Gilanpasa and Muruthen Poojas (offerings) are to be made during the ceremonies at both places before 1500 coconut lamps are lit surrounding the Kirivehera Dagoba premises. A special Perahera with Kavadi dancers of the Army will adorn the sequence of religious programmes at Kataragama. Offer of Pooja and invocation of blessings on Army flags takes place, the same evening at the Devala premises.
The special overnight Pirith chanting ceremony on October 8, attended by 1000 Army personnel, representing all island-wide formations will take place at Sri Bodhirajaramaya (Army temple) in Panagoda where the Commander of the Army as the Chief Guest is expected to carry the relic casket and invite the monks for chanting. Offer of Heel Daana (breakfast) and alms (Sangika Daana) to 67 monks at the same Panagoda temple venue, the following day (9), will bring the religious ceremonies of the anniversary to an end.
The climax of the commemorative ceremonies to coincide with the Army’s 67th Anniversary reaches on October 10 (Army Day), in which the incumbent Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Crishanthe De Silva is accorded military salutes in a Guard Turnout plus a Guard of Honour at Panagoda Army Cantonment in conformity with formalities.
On the same day, the Commander of the Army will show his gratitude to the inmates at Ragama Ranaviru Sevana by visiting them, symbolic of the Army’s concern and goodwill towards them. An all rank dinner will culminate the anniversary ceremonies, the following day (October 11).
Lieutenant General Crishanthe De Silva, Commander of the Army as the Chief Guest attends all these ceremonies with a representative gathering of senior officers, officers and other rankers. (Ends)
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