Panagoda Sri Bodhirajaramaya (Army Temple) Friday (4) evening drew a huge gathering of officers and other ranks of the Army in order to attend a series of customary religious ceremonies in connection with the forthcoming 64th Army Anniversary and Army Day (Oct 10).
Sri Lanka Army Buddhist Association - organized those programmes, included an all-night Pirith chanting, offer of Heel Daana (breakfast) and Saangeeka Daana (alms) to 64 monks, a tree planting ceremony, opening of the new Daham school building and release of five cattle from slaughter house.
Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake, Commander of the Army at the invitation of Major General E.M.M. Ambanpola, Chairman, Sri Lanka Army Buddhist Association, together with Mrs Damayathi Ratnayake, President, Seva Vanitha Army Barnch (SVAB), graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
Soon after a colourful procession, comprised of Army dancers in the cultural troupe conducted members of the Maha Sangha to the Dharmashalawa (preaching hall) at the temple, the Commander of the Army in keeping with age-old traditions offered the tray of betel (Deheth Wattiya) to members of the Maha Sangha, seated in the Pirith Mandapaya (octagon for chanting), inviting them to commence chanting until the following morning (5).
An Anushasana (oration) delivered by Ven. Prof. Bellanwila Wimalarathana Thero, Viharadhikari, Bellanwila Rajamaha Viaharaya on behalf of the Maha Sangha spoke high of the Army’s roles for the betterment of the country and wished it good luck with its anniversary.
A Heel Daana (breakfast) on Saturday (5) plus a Sangeeka Daana (alms giving) to 64 members of the Maha Sangha, the same noon, followed the tree planting ceremony and the release of cattle brought for slaughtering.
Ven. Dr. Dodangoda Assaji Nayake Thero delivered a special oration at the alms-giving ceremony where merits were transferred and blessings invoked on the Army and fallen War Heroes.
Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake, adding a memory to the Panagoda Army Cantonment afterwards planted a sandalwood (santalum album) sapling in the premises at the invitation of Major General E.M.M. Ambanpola before proceeding to release five cattle, rescued from the slaughterhouse.
Opening of the newly-constructed three-storied building at Sri Sugatha Vinaya Dhaham School at the temple premises was next on the day’s agenda.
Engineer Service Regiment (ESR) troops at a cost of Rs 10 million completed the construction of this much-needed building for the benefit of students of Ranaviru families learning there.
Lieutenant General Ratnayake, cutting a ribbon and unveiling a plaque ceremonially opened the new building at the auspicious minute and went round the new building, together with some of the Daham school students who were present at the ceremony.
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