15th May 2022 12:02:39 Hours
General Shavendra Silva extending Best Wishes and Greetings to All in the Army on the Thrice Blessed Day (Vesak) wants all to determine to save the people and the country by practising the teachings of the Buddha. Here is the full text of his message:
MESSAGE OF THE CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF AND COMMANDER OF THE ARMY ON THE VESAK FULL MOON POYA DAY
On this Vesak full moon Poya Day that commemorates the Birth, Enlightenment and Parinibbana of the Lord Buddha, let me wish all officers, other ranks, civil staff and members of their families a Happy Vesak as the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army which enables us to realize the wisdom of peace, happiness and spiritual advancement due to teachings of the Enlightened One.
The Buddhists in Sri Lanka since ancient times, together with fellow Buddhist brethren the world over, celebrate the Vesak; the supreme religious festival with much religious fervour and enthusiasm by engaging themselves in offering ‘Amisa Pooja’ as well as ‘Prathipaththi Pooja’. In the past two years, we too had to perform the religious practices of Vesak against the backdrop of a pandemic of Covid -19. But this year everyone in the country can celebrate the Vesak freely after the pandemic threat that affected the entire humanity has diminished.
The spirit of Vesak which radiates worldwide the message of loving-kindness, wisdom, spirituality, calmness and happiness among all beings is a virtue of rejoice to every Buddhist in the world. People in the country this year mark Vesak freely after a pandemic. The Army, as the frontline forces in the motherland, have to ensure the security of the country's people and welfare of all while leading our lives by Buddhist way of teaching and following its principles. This truth has been accepted by all segments of people in society and I believe that your dedication towards the country will help you to succeed in the defence duties in the country.
Vesak is a festival of human values according to Buddhist teachings. It symbolizes and highlights the inseparable union between other races, nationalities, religions etc. Therefore, I believe that this supreme religious phenomenon mainly focuses on the possibilities of laying a new basis for a better future, rich with human virtues and values by engaging ourselves in the offerings of 'Amisa Puja', such as Vesak pandals and decorations, Dansel (free eateries), religious festivities, religious observances as well as 'Prathipaththi Pooja'.
The ancient Kuragala Buddhist Monastery has been declared the location for this year's State Vesak commemoration. The abandoned Kuragala prehistoric archaeological site, inclusive of an ancient Buddhist cave temple complex, was renovated recently with the patronage of the Sri Lanka Army and I take this opportunity to invoke blessings and transfer merits to all War Heroes who immensely contributed to the completion of the project.
At this time, let us be determined to save the people and the country by practising the teachings of the Buddha. I wish this Vesak festival would lead to health and spiritual bliss for the people of Sri Lanka. May the noble Triple Gem bless you !
Happy Vesak !!!
SHAVENDRA SILVA WWV RWP RSP VSV USP NDC psc Mphil
General
Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army
