Security Force Headquarters - Central (SFHQ-C), adding its share to the annual Vesak commemorations, mobilized its troops to decorate Diyatalawa town and its suburbs with multi-coloured Vesak lanterns and conduct several other programmes, including a devotional songs (Bhakthi Gee) presentation.
These Vesak arrangements, organized for the first time by the newly-raised SFHQ-C were actively supported by all ranks serving 112 Brigade, Sri Lanka Military Academy, Marksmanship and Sniper Training School, Volunteer Force Training School, 7 Battalion Sri Lanka Signal Corps, 1 Battalion Gemunu Watch, 2 (V) Battalion Sri Lanka Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, 140 Signal Squadron, Garrison Engineers (Diyatalawa) and Diyatalawa Army Hospital.
Major General H.C.P Goonetillake, Commander, SFHQ-C, together with SLMA Commandant, 112 Brigade Commander and several other senior officers inaugurated the programmes on May 24 (full moon Poya Day), amidst a large gathering of devotees and sight-seers.
11 huge Vesak lanterns erected in the Rondow grounds, opposite the SFHQ-C premises drew a mammoth crowd of spectators and Army crafted colourful decorations and lanterns on the roadside along Diyatalawa - Haputale road, covered a distance of about 2 kms.
Troops, including woman soldiers, attached to the SFHQ-C on both days (May 24-25) rent the air with devotional songs, commemorating birth, enlightenment and passing away of the Buddha. The spectacle lasted for about two hours came in for praise of all sight-seers and the public.
Towards the end of the first day’s programme, gifts, prepared as gestures of goodwill and encouragement were distributed among those who crafted most attractive Vesak lanterns. Major General Goonetillake was the Chief Guest for award of those gifts as dusk fell.
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