In keeping with age-old traditions and military formalities that have been practised since founding of the Army, Lieutenant General Crishanthe De Silva, the newly-appointed 21st Commander of the Army on Friday (27) morning, paid his homage to the most sacred Temple of Tooth, Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy.
Lieutenant General Crishanthe De Silva, together with Mrs Nayana De Silva, President, Army Seva Vanitha Unit, were warmly received on arrival at the entrance to the Temple of Tooth by Mr C.W Karunaratne, Chief Secretary at the Temple, together with the Administrative Officer, Mr G.W Anura Bandara, on behalf of the Diyawadana Nilame, offering a tray of jasmine flowers to the Commander.
Religious observances in the main chamber began after the Commander offered a gold-plated replica of a Dagoba to the Dalada Maligawa as a token of respect to the place.
An interaction with members of the Sangha present inside the main chamber followed a brief meeting with the Administrative Officials at the temple secretariat before the Commander left the place.
Afterwards, the new Commander paid obeisance to Most Ven Udugama Sri Buddharakkithabhidhana Nayaka Thero, the Mahanayake Thero (prelate) of Asgiriya Chapter and offered Pirikara plus a Dagoba replica to him who invoked blessings on his new appointment. During the interaction, the prelate expressed his happiness on the appointment of Lieutenant General Crishanthe De Silva and urged the Commander to carry on with the good roles of the Army for the greater benefit of all Sri Lankans.
Similarly, the Commander and his spouse, called on the Mahanayake Thero of Malwatte Chapter, Most Ven Thibbotuwawe Sri Sumangalabhidhana Mahanayake Thero at his monastery in Kandy, as has been the practice for years after assumption of office by a new Commander of the Army.
Most Ven Thibbotuwawe Sri Sumangalabhidhana Mahanayake Thero expressed his gretings and invoked blessings on the new appointment wishing him all the strength and good luck with his duties. Most Ven Mahanayake Thero expressed his pleasure on the appointment and spoke high of the Army’s commitment to the security of the country.
Later on, the Commander called on the Most Ven Napane Premasiri Nayaka Thero, Mahanayake of Ramanna Nikaya at his monastery in Menikhinna. After offer of Atapirikara and a Dagoba replica to the prelate, the Commander received his blessings for smooth conduct of affairs in his capacity.
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