21st August 2020 13:27:08 Hours
The famous Getabaru Devala Raja Maha Viharaya and its Dayake Sabhawa (Lay society) in Deniyaya on Tuesday (18) after inviting the Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva to the sacred premises, performed a special ‘Pooja’ to invoke blessings on the country, HE the President, all stakeholders working for eradication of COVID-19 epidemic, Armed Forces and the people at large.
The incumbent monk, Ven Kirinde Ananda Thero gave a tray of jasmine flowers to the day’s Chief Guest on arrival at the shrine premises. Seconds after, the monk in a brief oration,’ Anushasana’ spoke high of continuing and tireless COVID-19 eradication roles, being performed by Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva as the Head of the National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO), together with all in the medical sector, Public Health Inspectors, members of the armed forces, Policemen and Para-medical staff and wished the country be free from this epidemic as early as possible with the blessings of those divine powers.
At first, Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva made offerings to the Buddha in the main shrine at the Raja Maha Viharaya before he joined the blessing ceremony in the Getabaru Devalaya precincts. The chieftain at the Devalaya afterwards invoked blessings of celestial powers on the Head, NOCPCO and urged all divine powers to provide necessary strength, wisdom and courage for conduct of those eradication efforts further until its success.
Towards the end of the programme, the visiting Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva offered ‘Pirikara’ to members of the Maha Sangha, associated with the day’s ceremony.Sports News | Yeezy Boost 350 Trainers
