05th October 2024 17:24:53 Hours
A special Mass at All Saints' Church, Borella graced by His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, Bishop of Colombo and several other prominent clergies invoked blessings on the forthcoming 75th Army Anniversary (10 October) on 4 October evening as a segment of the series of multi-religious observances.
Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, Commander of the Army, together with Mrs. Janaki Liyanage, President of the Army Seva Vanitha Unit, graced the event as the Chief Guest at the invitation of the Army Christian Fellowship.
Major General W. P. A. D. W. Nanayakkara RSP VSV USP ndu, the Chief of Staff together with Major General B.K.G.M.L Rodrigo RSP psc IG, Commandant of the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force and Chairman of the Army Christian Fellowship welcomed the day’s Chief Guest on arrival at the location before the mass began.
Then, the Chairman of the Army Christian Fellowship conducted the welcome speech and specified the theme of the event to the audience. The special Mass and Thanksgiving Service, administered by His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, Bishop of Colombo at the outset of the ceremony symbolically blessed the Army Flag and all other flags of the organization. The clergy also in a special gesture blessed the Commander of the Army on the same occasion in recognition of his commitment to the country. Afterward, all attendees raised for the Army Song.
At the same time, Rev. Villy Warnen Ranasinghe, President of Sri Lanka Baptist Mission, prayed for the souls of fallen War Heroes on the battlefield and elsewhere, and simultaneously invoked blessings on all Army War Heroes under rehabilitation and recuperation after they sustained permanent injuries. The clergy extolled the Army’s commendable roles in their brief prayer orations and wanted it to continue its unmatched services.
Toward the end of the service, Commander of the Army made a financial contribution to the clergy as a token of the Army’s appreciation of the religious services being rendered by the Church for the promotion of spiritual values, reconciliation, and peace among the public.
Members of the Methodist Church, Former Army Commanders, Senior Officers, and their spouses, a gathering of Army personnel representing all Regiments attended the service.
