HE the President Declares Opens ‘Budda Rashmi’ Vesak Zone 2024

‘Budda Rashmi’ Vesak Zone 2024 in Colombo was declared open on 23 May 2024 evening in a brief occasion headed by His Excellency the President, Ranil Wickremesinghe at the ‘Seemamalakaya’ of ‘Hunupitiya Gangarama Viharaya’ in Colombo.

A distinguished gathering of clergy, Mr. E.M.S.B Ekanayake, Secretary to the President, Mr. Sagala Ratnayaka, Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to the President, Mr. John Amaratunga, Former Member of Parliament, General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil, Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, Commander of the Army, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera RSP USP ndu psc, Commander of the Navy, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa RSP VSV USP rcds psc, Commander of the Air Force, Senior Officers and foreign delegates also took part in the ceremony.

At the outset, the chief guest and the invitees, offered flowers to Lord Buddha at the ‘Seemamalakaya’. Moments later, Ven. (Dr) Muruththettuwe Ananda Nayaka Thero, Chief Incumbent of Narahahenpita ‘Abhayarama Viharaya’, recited the five precepts and the gathering repeated after him.

Ven. (Dr) Kirinde Assaji Thero, Chief Incumbent of ‘Hunupitiya Gangarama Viharaya’ conducted an oration and explained about the significance of the ‘Budda Rashmi’ Vesak Zone. During the speech, Ven. (Dr) Kirinde Assaji Thero, specially mentioned about the contribution of the Army troops under the guidance of the Commander of the Army for the ‘Budda Rashmi’ Vesak Zone. The Army-built ‘Apaya’ during last year and ‘Wankagiriya’ in the present scenario was highlighted.

Later on, HE the President, switched on illuminations and inaugurated the ‘Budda Rashmi’ Vesak Zone 2024 and moved to the Shangri-La Green premises to set in motion the organised ‘Dansela’ (free giveaway) and to launch Vesak Zone decorations in the premises.

The Commander of the Army reached the Army-built ‘Wankagiriya’ and declared open it for the devotees. Troops of Corps of Engineer Services built the newest addition to the ‘Budda Rashmi’ Vesak Zone 2024 under the guidance of the Army Chief according to the theme ‘Wessanthara Raja Maligawa’ (Palace of King Wessanthara) and ‘Wankagiriya’ Forest.

Afterwards, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, Commander of the Army, Mrs. Janaki Liyanage, President of Army Seva Vanitha Unit and the remaining gathering took a tour in the ‘Wankagiriya’ before culminating the day’s programme.