06th October 2024 16:12:17 Hours
The traditional all-night ‘Pirith’ chanting ceremony, marking the final religious observance for the Sri Lanka Army's forthcoming 75thAnniversary on 10 October, was held at Army Headquarters on 5 October 2024. The event was attended by Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, Commander of the Army, along with Mrs. Janaki Liyanage, President of the Army Seva Vanitha Unit (ASVU).
A colorful procession commenced the ceremony, with Commander of the Army carrying the sacred relic casket, while Major General W.P.A.D.W. Nanayakkara RSP VSV USP ndu, Chief of Staff, carried the 'Piruvana Potha'. Venerable monks were led to the illuminated octagon (Pirith Mandapaya), where the Army Chief symbolically offered the traditional tray of betel (Deheth Wattiya) to the Maha Sangha, inviting them to begin the overnight chanting to invoke blessings on the Army's 75thAnniversary.
The Venerable Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thero, Chief incumbent of the Gangaramaya Temple played the key role of the religious event. Venerable Bengamuwe Dhammadinna Thero, Chief Incumbent of Sri Pada, delivered an oration commending the Army for its service to the Nation invoking blessings for its future.
The event organized by the Army Buddhist Association, chaired by Major General A.H.L.G. Amarapala RWP RSP ndc psc, the Commander, Security Forces (West), concluded with offering ‘Heel Daana’ (morning alms) to the Venerable Maha Sangha including Most Venerable Dr. Ittapana Dhammalankara Thero, the Mahanayake Thero of Kotte Chapter. Venerable Eethalawetunawewe Gnanathillaka Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Ruwanweliseya temple delivered the oration of alms giving on 6 October 2024 morning.
During the event, Commander of the Army presented a special memento to General C.S. Weerasooriya (Retd) RWP RSP VSV USP and Mrs. Lali Kobbekaduwa in recognition of their participation.
General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), former Army Commanders, two spouses of great war veterans, Mrs Lali Kobbekaduwa and Mrs Manel Wimalarathne, Senior Officers, Officers, and Other Ranks, relatives of the fallen War Heroes participated in the event.
