08th October 2022 15:36:58 Hours
The customary all-night ‘Pirith’ chanting, the final religious segment, the forerunner to the 73rd Army Anniversary and Army Day (10 October) commenced Friday (7) evening at the Sri Jayawardenepura Army Headquarters with the participation of prominent Buddhist monks.
Friday’s final segment of a series of multi religious arrangements that invoked spiritual blessings on the forward-march of the country’s most sought service provider, the Army was attended by Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Commander of the Army as the lay Chief Guest at the invitation of the Army Buddhist Association.
Organized by the Army Buddhist Association on account of the forthcoming Army Day (10), the all-night ‘Pirith’ chanting was led by Ven Aluthnuwara Anuruddha Nayake Thero, Chief Incumbent, Kotte Raja Maha Viharaya who received the traditional tray of betel from the Army Chief as the symbolic invitation, together with Ven Eethalawetunuwewe Gnanathilaka Thero, Chief Incumbent at Mirisawetiya and Chancellor of Rajarata University. Ven Uduwe Dhammaloka Thero, Incumbent, Alan Methiniyaramaya, Polhengoda, Ven Walahahengunuwewe Dhammarathana Thero, Chief Incumbent, Mihintale Rajamaha Vihara and several other leading Buddhist monks who were associated with the day’s arrangement.
The monks were afterwards ushered to the location in a colorful procession, preceded by Army cultural dancing troupes, traditional drummers and flag-bearers.
Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Commander of the Army respectfully carried the sacred relic casket while the traditional ‘Piruvana Potha’ (book containing old scriptures) was taken by Major General TJ Kodithuwakku RWP RSP ndu, Chief of Staff.
Mrs Janaki Liyanage, President, Army Seva Vanitha Unit (ASVU) and a representative gathering of white-clad Senior Officers, including the Chief of Staff, Commandant, Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force, Principal Staff Officers, Senior Officers, Officers and Other Ranks were present at the occasion.
After the monks wended their way to the illuminated octagon (Pirith Mandapaya), Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage offered the traditional tray of betel (Deheth Wattiya) to the members of the Maha Sangha and invited them to commence chanting for invocation of blessings on the 73rd Anniversary.
The most senior monk for the occasion then delivered an ‘Anushasana’ (oration) on the importance of the 73rd Anniversary of the Army and the Army’s dedicated services to the Nation. The monk also invoked blessings on the organization, injured War Heroes and transferred merits to the fallen ones, recalling the glorious past history of the organization. He also praised the Army's diverse roles and wished good luck with its onward-march as protectors of the nation.
The Sri Lanka Army Buddhist Association, chaired by Major General DMKDB Pussella RWP RSP and office-bearers of the Sri Lanka Army Buddhist Association were instrumental in organizing the ‘Pinkama’ (meritorious act) with the support of all other branches.
With the offer of ‘Heel Daana’ (breakfast) to the monks on Saturday (8), the religious segment of the anniversary celebrations culminates. Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Saturday morning participated in the offer of ‘Heel Daana’ to Maha Sangha, together with his spouse, Senior Officers, Officers and Other Ranks.
