Commander Meets Ven. Gunawansha Thera &;amp; Seeks Support for Abimansala Project

COMMANDER of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, in order to receive New Year blessings and muster support for one of his most cherished welfare projects, construction of the Wellness Resort, ‘Abimansala’ at Anuradhapura met Ven. Elle Gunawansha Nayaka Thera, Chief Incumbent  at Dharmayathanaya, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7 on Monday (19).

Lieutenant General Jayasuriya after religious observances at the shrine offered Atapirikara to the monk and received blessings from him as it was the Commander’s first religious assignment just after the New Year. 

Lieutenant General Jayasuriya during his interaction with Ven. Gunawansha Nayaka Thera afterwards briefed him on the proposed construction of the Army’s Wellness Resort, ‘Abimansala’ for the life-time care of permanently disable War Heroes who are dependent for the rest of their lives. Lieutenant General Jayasuriya, reminiscent of the Ven. monk’s commitment, dedication and invaluable contributions made when the Wanni Humanitarian Operations were underway last year was of the view that Ven. Thera’s unstinted support for this worthy cause would also help make it a great success in the near future.

Ven. Gunawansha Thera was one among the most prominent bhikkus who launched island-wide public campaigns in the country in support of tri-service and Police personnel who were at the forefront of the Wanni operations. The respected monk on most occasions paid visits to the ground battles, distributed gifts and sweetmeats among War Heroes and interacted freely with War Heroes while invoking blessings on them and providing moral courage.

Lieutenant General Jayasuriya further commenting on the proposed project, spearheaded by Mrs Manjulika Jayasuriya, President Seva Vanitha Army Branch (SVAB) and the SVAB membership, explained to the Thera that the Army in the long run wishes to have those Wellness Resorts set up at provincial levels too so that all dependent War Heroes could be well cared for the rest of their lives.

Ven. Gunawansha Thera, in response appreciated the motive behind the project and highlighted the importance of caring those disable War Heroes and their families as part of the social responsibility. Ven. Thera also pledged his cooperation to the Commander for the successful completion of the project ‘Abimansala’ and offered his blessings.

Religious observances

Receiving blessings from Ven. Gunawansha Thera

Commander offering Atapirikara