21st July 2023 22:16:37 Hours
The inaugural ceremony of the 73rd ‘Upasampada Vinaya Karma’ (offer of higher ordination) of the Sri Lanka Ramangnna Maha Nikaya got underway at Matale Edward Grounds on Thursday (20) with the participation of a distinguished gathering, inclusive of the Maha Sangha, His Excellency the President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Former Speaker Hon Karu Jayasuriya, Governor for the Central Province, State Ministers, Chief of Defence Staff, General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil, Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, Senior Police Officers and many others.
A total of 300 novice monks during the state- patronized ceremony received higher ordination in the arrangement in conformity with age-old traditions of the monkhood. The event was headed by Most Venerable Makulewe Vimala Maha Nayaka Thero of the Sri Lanka Ramangnna Maha Nikaya.
The formal declaration of the 73rd ‘Upasampada Vinaya Karma’, recital of ‘Jaya Mangala’ stanzas and the pioneer ‘Abhinandana’ song, presentation of certificates and ‘Pirikara’ to achievers in the ‘Upasampada’ examination, conferment of honorary titles, presentation of mementos, ‘Anushasana’ (orations) of monks and an address by Hon. President got underway during the proceedings.
The act of ‘Vinayakarma’ took place in the ‘Seemamalakaya’ by the side of the Sudu Ganga at Bandarapola, Matale.
