Published on - 5/26/2005
Thrice-Blessed Day (Vesak), the most prominent and important phenomenon in the Buddhist calendar fell on Monday (23). It is also regarded by thousands of troops in the Army as an event very close to their hearts, no matter wherever they serve in the island, merely because of its impact on their lives and culture.
A series of commemorative celebrations that got under way at island-wide Army installations covered offer of alms, free foods and drinks to all sightseers, display of lanterns and pandals, conduct of pujas, religious rites and discussions, charity work, hospital treats, etc since practice of Alms, Piety and Meditation are the cornerstones of the Buddhist way of life. Popularly called Army temple (Sri Bodhirajaramaya) at Panagoda Army Cantonment was one of the main centers of attractions that organized full-day programmes to mark the event under the aegis of the Buddhist Association of Sri Lanka Army. Nearly 5000 devotees clad in white joined members of Army families who were observing noble Eight Precepts on the first full-moon Poya day of Vesak, to begin with. It is also a period of sharing and caring in the world of Buddhists. Observance of Sil, Conduct of Dhamma sermons, discussions, pujas, meditation sessions, and various other meritorious activities including a public lecture conducted by Professor J.B. Dissanayake were among a few major features on the agenda at Panagoda during the first day of Vesak.
Ven Dodangoda Assajee Thero, Chief incumbent from Meditation Center, Moratuwa conducted the day\'s programme at Panagoda after it began early in the morning. All those who observed Sil were offered alms by soldiers who were at the premises.
A section of relatives of the soldiers, who died in the war saved lives of six cattle from butchers and were released to animal-lovers for rearing on that occasion in order to transfer merits to their dear ones. Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Shantha Kottegoda and Adjutant General and Chairman Army Buddhist Association, Major General T.T.R. Silva were there to witness the day\'s religious events.
As dusk fell with full moon aglow, adding colour to Vesak, a competition of Vesak lanterns was conducted at 11 Division Headquarters at Panagoda cantonment starting at about 7.30 p.m. Out of fifteen establishments which produced lanterns, the Directorate of Pay and Records won the first place, twenty thousand rupees in cash. The second prize of Rs.15, 000/= went to Sri Lanka Army Ordinance Corps and the third one to Sri Lanka Light Infantry. 1 st Battalion of the Sri Lanka Electrical Mechanical Engineering, Regimental Centre Sri Lanka Army General Service Corps, Regimental Centre Sri Lanka Signals Corps, 4 th Engineer Service Regiment and Regimental Centre Sri Lanka Engineers were also among others to receive consolation prizes respectively in appreciation of their contribution to the occasion. Over ten thousand sightseers flocked there to see the spectacle.
Meanwhile, Vesak in Batticaloa under the aegis of the 23 Division Brigade displayed 10 colourful Vesak lanterns showing creativity of soldiers serving there. 23 Division Commander Brigadier Tissa Jayawardana, Divisional Secretary in Welikanda and Police Officer In Charge of Welikanda attended the inauguration.
22 Division Brigade in Trincomalee placed their Wesak lanterns for display at the Urban Council grounds drawing huge crowds. The display of 9 colourful lanterns was visited by thousands of civilians in the area. Under the patronage of Major General S.R Balasuriya and 221 Brigade Commander Brigadier S. Udumalagala, the display was organized despite recent unrest in the area.
Army Headquarters at Colombo too wore Vesak festive garbs as soldiers in different directorates got together to show their decorative skills by producing a variety of Vesak lanterns. They are on display until the end of the week. ( For Jaffna celebrations, Pl. see the separate story)
