18th August 2020 08:30:19 Hours
A multifaceted religious ceremony with a mammoth gathering of devotees at Deniyaya Sri Pushparama Viharaya on Tuesday (18) applauded COVID-19 roles of Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva, Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army and also his dedicated commitment to the victory over terrorism in the Wanni operations as a War Hero before May 2009.
The religious ceremony-cum-the felicitation, held in the temple’s open-air premises commenced after arrival of the day’s protagonist, Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva who is also the Head, National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) fighting for eradication of the deadly epidemic. He was then invited to offer ‘Gilanpasa Pooja’, inclusive of 108 herbal species (Osu Pen Pooja) to the Buddha Shrine and the sacred relic casket, performing an age-old practice that has been in existence since the times of ancient royalties as a special veneration to the Buddha.
The appreciative felicitation ceremony on the day’s Chief Guest, Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva commenced with chanting of ‘Jaya Piritha’ by members of the Maha Sangha, followed by the brief oration (Anushasanawa), conducted by Ven Urubokke Upananda Thero, Chief Incumbent, Deniyaya Sri Pushparamaya, in which he summed up reasons, attributed to the conduct of this appreciative ceremony inside the temple premises with the participation of civilians as beneficiaries.
The monk extolled Lieutenant General Silva’s exemplary services towards the fight against COVID-19 and recalled his selfless roles in Wanni battlefields as one of the best war veterans under the leadership of His Excellency the President, then as Secretary Defence and former HE the President, currently serving as Hon Prime Minister. He urged the gathering to show their gratitude to those personages who are always dedicated for the best interests of the country.
Members of the Maha Sangha afterwards awarded a gold-plated Dagoba replica to the visiting Commander of the Army as a symbol of memory of the felicitation event. The gesture was reciprocated. The enthusiastic public assembled in the premises afterwards presented sets of herbal saplings, Commander’s portraits drawn by children and varieties of mementos, etc after reaching out to the day’s Chief Guest.
In another gesture, Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva distributed Army-organized 100 parcels of dry rations among the poor who had attended the day’s ceremony. He also did not forget to share a couple of views with devotees and children who were present at the location.
A large gathering of Buddhist monks in the area and devotees attended the day’s arrangement. Buy Sneakers | NIKE AIR HUARACHE
