Commander of the Army Attends Opening Ceremony of New Monastery at Peliyagoda

Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, Commander of the Army, along with Mrs. Janaki Liyanage, President of the Army Seva Vanitha Unit, attended the opening ceremony of the Lanil Galaboda Memorial 'Sanghawasaya' (residential monastery) at Jayathilakarama Purana Viharaya, Peliyagoda, on 13 October 2024.

The auspicious event took place at the invitation of Most Venerable Gataberikande Rathanasiri Nayaka Thero.

The construction of the monastery was a collaborative effort between the Sri Lanka Army and financial donors Mr. G.K. Jinadasa and Mrs. Chandra Piyaseeli Amarasena.

The day’s proceedings commenced with the arrival of distinguished guests, followed by the ceremonial placement of the omniscient relic at the monastery premises by the Army Chief. Following the initial rituals, Commander of the Army formally opened the newly constructed monastery together with donors. The religious ceremonies began with attendees observing the five precepts (Panchaseelaya) under the guidance of the Maha Sangha.

Then, Venerable Omalpe Dhammaloka Thero delivered the welcome speech, and the newly completed residential monastery was officially offered to the Maha Sangha by Most Venerable Karagoda Uyangoda Maithri Murthi Maha Nayaka Thero, Chief Prelate of the Amarapura Nikaya.

Afterward, Most Venerable Dr. Ittapana Dhammalankara Maha Nayaka Thero, the Chief Prelate of Kotte Sri Kalayani Samagri Dharma Maha Sangha Sabha of Siyam Maha Nikaya, Most Venerable Karagoda Uyangoda Maithri Murthi, Maha Nayaka Thero of Amarapura Nikaya, and Most Venerable Makkulawe Wimala, Maha Nayaka Thero of the Ramanna Maha Nikaya, representing the three chapters presented a “Honorary Title” upon the Commander of the Army, in appreciation of his dedicated service to preserve Buddhasasana and his commitment to ensure the territorial integrity ,sovereignty and security of Sri Lanka.

Then Mrs. Kuslani Tharanga, Secretary of Urban Council – Peliyagoda and Mr. G.K. Jinadasa were also offered honorary titles by the Maha Sangha. The ceremony concluded with the chanting of Seth Pirith and a special oration by the Maha Sangha.

The event was attended by Most Venerable Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Gangaramaya Temple, Clergy, the Chief of Staff, Commander Security Forces (West), Senior Officers, Officers, Other Ranks and large number of devotees marking a memorable day of religious significance and military presence.