Religious Blessings on 75th Army Anniversary & Army Day Begin at Anuradhapura Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi

The annual Army flag blessing religious ceremony, the precursor to the forthcoming Army Day (10 October) and its 75th Anniversary celebrations got underway this morning (27) at the most sacred Anuradhapura Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya, headed by the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu.

In accordance with traditions, the Army Chief at first paid his respect to the Most Ven. Dr Pallegama Hemarathna Nayaka Thero, Chief Incumbent for all eight places of worship (Atamasthandhipathi) at the 'Sanghawasaya' (residential monastery) formally invited him to lead the religious performances at the Udamaluwa (upper layer) by offering the symbolic tray of betel (Deheth Wattiya) and ‘Atapirikara’ to the Nayaka Thero.

Afterward, the Commander of the Army inaugurated the newly-erected guard booth for security checks, sponsored by the Bank of Ceylon and constructed by Army troops.

The traditional ceremony began with the rhythmic beats of ‘Hevisi’ and ‘Magul Bera’ as troops stood holding vibrant flags of all Army establishments. A procession of monks moved to the 'Udamaluwa' for religious observances, while hundreds of flag-bearing soldiers lined up in the Welimaluwa area. The Army flags, representing various Army formations were carried around the Weli Maluwa area three times before being handed to Senior Officers at the Meda Maluwa. The Commander of the Army later placed the flags at the foot of the sacred tree with other representatives of various establishments.

Members of the Maha Sangha chanted 'Seth Pirith', sprinkled jasmine water around the sacred Bodhi tree, and invoked blessings on the Army Flags. Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu simultaneously made offerings at the sacred Bodhiya, praying for the well-being of the Nation’s protectors and all those serving the country.

The Most Venerable Ralapanawe Dhammajothi Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Lankarama Rajamaha Viharaya, praised the Army's dedication to the nation in a special 'Anushasana' (oration) during a religious programme.

Soon after the religious observances, the Adjutant General of the Sri Lanka Army read the message of the Commander of the Army related to the 75th Anniversary, and a special cash donation for the development of the sacred place was then offered by the Commander of the Army to the Atamasthanadhipathi Thero.

Afterward, the Army Chief symbolically handed over the keys to newly constructed homes for eight needy families, coordinated by the Security Forces Headquarters (Wanni). These houses were constructed by Army Troops in commemoration of the 75th Anniversary, under the direction of the Army Chief.

The Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, Commandant of Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force, Principal Staff Officers, Security Force Commanders, Colonels of the Regiments and Colonel Commandants, Directors, Senior Officers, and Officers joined the ceremony.