Published on - 10/6/2007
FLAG BLESSING CEREMONY, precursor to the forthcoming Army day, one of the major events in the Army calendar got underway this morning (6) at the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura to coincide with 58th anniversary of the Army.
As is the practice every year, flags representing the Army Headquarters, Volunteer Force Headquarters, Security Forces Headquarters, Divisions, Brigades, Regiments, Battalions and Army training schools were blessed by Maha Sangha, headed by Atamasthanadhipathi Rev. Pallaegama Sirinivasa Nayake Thero.
Respective flags were first laid at the upper layer (Udamaluwa) of this sacred place by Senior Officers for obtaining blessing after the flags were taken thrice around the historic Bo tree in procession.
Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka and a representative gathering of Senior Officers of the Sri Lanka Army, accompanied by soldiers graced the occasion, as members of the Maha Sangha reacted chanting end invoked blessings on the Army and its onward march in order to protect the territorial integrity of this island-nation. Other celebrated commemorative events are to follow afterwards.
Chief Incumbent, Atamasthanadhipathi, Ven. Pallegama Sri Nivasabhidhana Nayake Thero conducted religious rites as members of Maha Sangha chanted Seth Pirith to bless the Sri Lanka Army after floral and other offerings were made by the Commander and his entourage amidst beating of Magulbera(auspicious drums).
Lt. Gen. Sarath Fonseka representing all ranks in turn made a financial donation of Rs 500,000 towards the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Trust after day\'s religious rites were over.
As the second leg of the ceremony, the Commander with his senior officers visited the Victory Army hospital at Anuradhapura where recent casualties are receiving treatments after those valiant soldiers confronted a string of terrorist attacks. Sharing a couple of thoughts with the injured, Lt. Gen. Sarath Fonseka gave away gift parcels to each and every one of them.
