01st October 2024 06:19:21 Hours
In preparation for the 75th Anniversary of the Sri Lanka Army on 10 October, a religious ceremony commenced at the sacred Kataragama Kirivehera and Devala compounds on 30 September 2024. Major General W.P.A.D.W. Nanayakkara RSP VSV USP ndu, Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army, attended the event as the Chief Guest.
Flags representing all Army establishments were taken around the Kirivehera stupa three times accompanied by Army drummers. This was followed by the placement of the flags for the invocation of blessings. Concurrently, a group of attendees, including Senior Officers, participated in a special Kapruka Pooja around the pagoda.
During the same occasion, the Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army presented a financial contribution towards the development of the sacred site to the Kirivehera incumbent monk, Ven. Kobawaka Damminda Thera, and formally invited him to lead the religious performances.
After the incumbent monk, along with members of the Maha Sangha, performed religious rites, the Chief of Staff participated in the lighting of thousands of coconut oil lamps around the premises. Following this, he offered Pirikara and Gilanpasa to the members of the Maha Sangha. A special Pooja was then offered at the Mahasen Devalaya before colorful flag-bearers lined up once more to proceed to the Kataragama Devalaya for further religious observances.
The Army flag-bearers and Hevisi groups led a procession to the venue, where Senior Officers symbolically accepted the flags, which were then presented to the Chief of Staff. At the Ashtapalabodhiya, the Chief of Staff offered an Atapirikara to the sacred tree. Following this, he delivered the flags to the inner chamber of the Devalaya for blessings and made a financial donation to the Basnayake Nilame for the development of the sacred site. The event concluded with the distribution of the special Muruthen Pooja among devotees.
Security Forces Commanders of West and Central, Adjutant General of the SriLankaArmy, the Commandant of the Army War College, General Officer Commanding of the 12 Infantry Division, Senior Officers, Officers and Other Ranks attended the ceremony.
