Hundreds of representative soldier-turned multi-coloured flag-bearers of the Sri Lanka Army, as a precursor to the forthcoming Army Day (October 10) and 63rd Army Anniversary, made their presence felt at sacred Anuradhapura Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi precincts Monday (1) morning and marked the commencement of a whole string of commemorative ceremonies.
The symbolic Flag Blessing ceremony of the Army at Anuradhapura Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, giving prominence to Buddhist religious rites and rituals, began soon after the arrival of the Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya at the venue, together with a representative group of senior officers.
Colourfully-dressed Army cultural troupe’s rhythmic beats of Hevisi and Magul Bera (traditional and auspicious drummers), heralded the beginning of the day’s offering as officers and other ranks, attired in ceremonial military dress with their regimental and field formation flags aloft, performed a solemn march around the sacred tree thrice.
The customary religious ceremony, led by Ven. Pallegama Sirinivasabhidhana Nayaka Thero, Atamastanadhipathi and Incumbent at Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya, together with several chief monks, symbolically invoked blessings on the Army flag, all Regimental and formation flags after they were laid on a bed of jasmine and lotus flowers at the foot of the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya at the Udamaluwa.
As one more customary gesture, Lt General Jayasuriya, Commander of the Army on behalf of all serving the organization made a cash donation of Rs 1 million towards development of the sacred place at the upper layer (Udamaluwa) and paid his obeisance to the monks, offering Atapirikara and symbolic gifts. After Seth Pirith chanting, Ven Ralapanawe Dhammajothi, Nayaka Thero, Lankaramadipathi and Adhikarana Sangha Nayaka for North Central Province delivered a special Anusasanaa (oration) and spoke high of the Army’s sacrifices and dedication. At the same occasion, Adjutant General Major General Kamal Gunaratne, reading the citation, attributed to the cash donation on behalf of the Commander, pledged to undertake another project. The Army will sponsor the construction of one of the quarters in the new Sanghawasa complex in Maha Mevuna Uyana, now in progress, it was announced.
The Army, raised in October 1949 as the country’s most formidable land force to be reckoned with, is now comprised of 24 regiments, including volunteer ones, and engaged in a multiplicity of nation-building development projects since its landmark victory over terrorism in the year 2009.
Monday’s initial ceremony at Anuradhapura was joined by a large gathering of senior officers, including Chief of Staff, Commander, Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force, Adjutant General, Commanders of Security Forces Headquarters, Senior Officers, officers and other ranks.
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