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Sri Lanka Army

Defender of the Nation

21st November 2021 11:40:58 Hours

First ‘Saangika Daana’ at ‘Sanda Hiru Seya’ Coincides with 2nd Year of Presidency

A mammoth alms-giving to members of the Maha Sangha (Shathadika Sangagatha Dakshinawa) that coincides with the ceremonial unveiling of the ‘Sanda Hiru Seya’ Stupa and the completion of two years of Presidency got underway this noon (19) at new ‘Sanda Hiru Seya’ Vihara compound.

HE the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa as the Chief Guest joined religious observances and offer of alms to the monks after HE the President earlier on the day made offerings to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya.

First Lady, Mrs Ioma Rajapaksa, Hon Minister, Chamal Rajapaksa, Secretary Defence, General Kamal Gunaratne (Rtd) and the spouse, Mrs Chithrani Gunaratne, Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army, General Shavendra Silva and the spouse, Mrs Sujeewa Nelson, Commander of the Navy and his spouse, Commander of the Air Force and his spouse, Director General Civil Security Department and a distinguished gathering were associated with the alms-giving ceremony.

The day’s ceremony organized by Army, Navy and Air Force personnel in conformity with Defence Ministry guidelines saw General Shavendra Silva, Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army at first carried the sacred relic casket to the alms-hall (Daana Shala) along with members of the Maha Sangha.

Minutes after that, the Buddha Pooja was conducted at the new shrine in the compound before HE the President, the First Lady and other participants began serving alms to members of the Maha Sangha after religious rites and rituals were performed. Along with award of ‘Pirikara’ to the monks, the ceremony culminated with ‘Pan Wedeema’ ritual and ‘Gupthanumodana’ orations of the monks.

Prelates, Anunayake Theros, Ven Pallegama Siriniwasabhidana Nayake Thero, ‘Atamathanadhipathi’, Ven Dr Kirinde Assaji Nayake Thero and a group of 150 monks participated in the day’s programme. Ministers, Deputy Ministers, state officials and relatives of fallen War Heroes were also present during the ‘Pinkama’.