19th May 2019 22:00:33 Hours
Sri Lanka Army giving its contribution to the commemoration of Vesak festival on Saturday (18) launched a full day ‘Sil’ programme, coupled with Dhamma sermons, Dhamma discussions and Bodhi Pooja at Sri Bodhirajaramaya, Panagoda.
Over 2000 devotees including civilians attended the day’s programme, organized by the Army Buddhist Association (ABA) chaired by Major General Sathyapriya Liyanage, Commander, Security Forces - West (West) under the guidelines given by Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake, Commander of the Army.
The meritorious activities invoked blessings on all Army personnel, merits on fallen War Heroes and met members of the civil staff.
Meanwhile, Colombo Army Hospital on account of the thrice blessed day had its own programme depicting a number of colourful Vesak lanterns and other decorations.
In the meantime, All Security Force Headquarters, Divisions, Brigades, Training Schools, Forward Maintenance Area offices and formations on account of `Vesak festival launched their own commemorative projects in respective locations, giving pride of place to 'Sil' observances, Dhamma orations, Shramadana work, Blood donations, Display of lanterns and illuminations, Dansel treats, Presentation of Devotional songs, Humanitarian assistance programmes, etc. Hundreds of officers and all ranks contributed to the success of those programmes throughout Saturday (18) on the directions of respective SFHQ Commanders, General Officers Commanding, Brigade Commanders and Officers Commanding. Meanwhile, Security Force Headquarters - Jaffna (SFHQ-J) organized the exposition of relics at the Thissa Maha Viharaya at Kankesanthurai during 16-18, as a part of Vesak celebrations in Jaffna of the SFHQ-J. A large number of Army personnel worshipped sacred relics. Commander, Security Forces - Jaffna, Senior Officers and Other Ranks also participated in the programme.
Subsequently, amidst all the celebrations of Vesak Poya Day, troops under Forward Maintenance Area - North offered lunch for 60 children at Karunalayam Mother Krishnabai Girls’ Home in Jaffna on Saturday (18) under the guidance of Commander, Security Forces - Jaffna, Major General Dharshana Hettiarrachchi.
Commander, Security Forces - Jaffna, Commander, Forward Maintenance Area - North, Major General Indrajith Peramunagamage, Senior Officers, troops and the custodians of the Children's Home also present at the event.
Similarly, Security Force Headquarters - East (SFHQ-E) contributed their share to the commemoration of Vesak festival by conducting Bodhi Poojas, preparing Vesak lanterns and joining a foundation-laying ceremony for construction of a pagoda and several other programmes.
Major General Aruna Jayasekera, Commander, Security Forces - East (SF-E) on account of Vesak joined the foundation-laying ceremony for construction of a new Dagoba at Galtambarawa temple a few days ago. Similarly, the cornerstone for a new shrine room was also laid at the same occasion.
Meanwhile, the erection of a huge colourful Vesak lantern at the SFHQ-E premises was actively supported by Captain J Nafeer of Sri Lanka National Guard serving the SFHQ-E, displaying gestures of national unity and co-existence. It was illuminated and unveiled on the Vesak Day by the Commander, SF-E. Photos that follow explain their separate arrangements :short url link | nike fashion
