26th May 2024 12:34:00 Hours
The Security Forces (Jaffna) celebrated Vesak Commemorations 2024, symbolizing religious prosperity, whole day on 23 May 2024. Day proceedings started in the morning with the placing of a Sacred Casket and Crest - Gem and the Sacred Pinnacle at the Tissa Viharaya, Kankesanturai, by Major General M.G.W.W.W.M.C.B Wickramasinghe RWP RSP ndu psc, the Commander Security Forces (Jaffna). Before being placed at the Tissa Viharaya, the Crest - Gem and the Sacred Pinnacle were placed at the Security Force Headquarters, since13 May 2024 for veneration of military troops.
In the evening, a “Bhakthi Gee” session was conducted in five different locations simultaneously by rotating two teams from Army, one team each from Navy, Air Force and Police. At the end, all five teams were assembled to the Naga Viharaya, Jaffna and conducted a Tri Forces and Police combined ‘Bhakthi Gee’ session for the military and general public. Troops, including female soldiers, participated in the devotional songs commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and attending Nibbana of Lord Buddha.
In line with the direction and guidance of the Jaffna SF Commander, for the first time in the history, a Tri Forces and Police combined Vesak Festival was organized in Jaffna and troops were mobilized to decorate Jaffna town and its suburbs, military establishments with multi-coloured Vesak lanterns and lightings in addition to the ‘Vesak Lantern’ competition which was held at the Naga Viharaya, Jaffna premises.
A number of ‘Vesak Dansals were also organized at many locations, apart from the main one organized at the Naga Viharaya premises. Honourable Governor of the Northern Province Mrs. P.S.M Charles, Honorable Dauglas Devananda, MP, Minister of Fisheries, along with government officials and Military Commanders and Police Heads joined together with Jaffna Commander to inaugurate the ‘Vesak Dansala’. They also joined to witness ‘Bhakthi Gee’. A Large gathering was observed in all ‘Dansal’ locations and to witness ‘Bhakthi Gee’ symbolizing religious and ethnic harmony on the peninsula.
Coinciding the Commemorating of the Vesak Festival, 521 Infantry Brigade also arranged a Roti & Tea Dansela (free giveaway) in front of the Brigade Headquarters at Point Pedro distributing Roti and Tea for local civilians on the same day. The event was arranged under the guidance of Brigadier M.H.R Fernando RWP RSP USP with the contribution of the Officers and the staff of 521 Infantry Brigade.
The Commander Security Forces (Jaffna), Division Commanders of 51 Division and 52 Division, Commander, Northern Naval Command, Commanding Officer, Ari Force Base - Palaly and Deputy Inspector General in Police - Jaffna, extended their fullest support to commemorate the Vesak Festival on a grand scale.
