28th September 2024 20:41:32 Hours
The second Buddhist religious ceremony in a series to bless the forthcoming 75th Army anniversary (October 10) took place this morning (28) at the Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth) in Kandy. Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, Commander of the Army, attended the blessing ceremony held in the Maligawa premises.
In accordance with tradition, the multi-coloured Army flags of the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force, all Security Force Headquarters, Logistics Command, Divisions, Brigades, Regiments and Training Centres across the country were respectfully taken in procession to the upper chamber of the Sri Dalada Maligawa by representative Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers of each unit, led by the Army Chief.
The Commander of the Army carried the Sri Lanka Army Flag at the beginning of the procession. The flags were then presented to the monks in charge of the 'Thevava' at the upper chamber, where the chanting of 'Seth Pirith' and the conduct of religious observances invoked blessings on the Army’s long journey in the defence of the country.
After the religious observances, representative Senior Officers received the flags and returned them to the relevant appointees. On the same occasion, the Army Chief presented a cash donation to Mr. Pradeep Nilanga Dela Bandara, Diyawadana Nilame, on behalf of the Army, for the further development of this most-venerated sacred place.
The Commander, along with Mrs. Janaki Liyanage, President of the Army Seva Vanitha Unit, participated in the offering of 'Buddha Pooja' at the shrine in the lower chamber before taking part in the alms-giving (Sangeeka Daana) for the Buddhist monks.
Venerable Anamaduwe Sri Dammadassi Thero, the Anunayake of the Asgiriya Chapter, delivered an oration (anushasana) commending the Army’s 75 years of eventful existence and its multiple contributions to the Nation.
The offer of 'Pariskara' to the venerable members of the Maha Sangha by the Army Chief, other representative Officers, and Other Ranks concluded the religious ceremony in Kandy.
The Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, Commandant of the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force, Principal Staff Officers, Security Force Commanders, Directors, Senior Officers, Officers, and Other Ranks attended the ceremony.
