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Sujatha Vidyalaya Colombo annual pirith ceremony is the most significant of the annual events organised by the Buddhist Society of Sujatha Vidyalaya and celebrated by the entire school. Over the years Sujatha has made a substantial contribution to promote moral values retaining the Buddhist and is implemented with the co-operation of the entire school.

The full responsibility of this year's event was shouldered by the Buddhist Society. An elaborate programme to successfully translate into action the annual pirith ceremony in perfect order was planned long ahead of time by the Buddhist Society.

After having a series of committee meetings every little detail was well prepared, well organised, and excellently performed. The activities had been assigned to various committees which performed them with great courage and enthusiasm both by the students and parents proving that Sujatha is among the best performing schools.

The school development society providing excellent support to promote school activities gave their fullest co-operation at every turn to make it a success. They deserve special mention for their splendid performance.

The entire school premises was beautifully decorated with Buddhist flags and illuminations. There were 6,000 mini bulbs on display in the main hall adding glamour to the entire event.

It was a wonderful job well done. Pirith Mandapaya was constructed according to tradition and serenely decorated giving prominence to conventional religious and traditional customs.

In the specially constructed Mandapa Pirith was chanted by the Bhikkhus of the Bhikku training centre (Darmayathanaya Maharagama).

A rain of blessings was showered on the entire school. This was followed by heel dana well-organised with the participation of the parents.

The annual pirith ceremony attracted a large number of participants, students plus their parents, past pupils, past teachers and well-wishers.

A remarkable feature was the participation of the students of other denominations in the chain of activities of pirith ceremony. It was nothing but ethnic harmony. Especially the students of the Muslim community and their involvement pointed to the fact that education is all about leading a happy and meaningful life, living in harmony. It was a wonderful experience for them.

We Buddhists were really touched by their co-operation. It was a very anxious moment for the Past Pupils Association (PPA). They warmly and whole heartedly extended their much needed support for their Alma Mater. Many of them kept up the whole night showing their loyalty and utmost reverence to their Alma Mater.

We were amazed at their performance which brought them still closer.

The idea of togetherness in working for the development of the Alma Mater was embodied in the whole event and the entire ceremony holds fond memories amongst the PPA.

A hundred tube lights in addition to various other items were offered as Pirikara bought by the donations made by the staff and students.

A contribution was also made for the Bhikkhu health fund (Darmayathanaya).

The purpose of the pirith ceremony was to invoke blessings on the students of the entire school and finally to offer merit to the late founder, late principal, late teachers as well as late parents. Reverend Thera Sumanasiri in his Anusasana emphasised the value of the key objectives.

The first is to bestow blessings on the students at large. Thera said that it would lead the students to do their studies peacefully and be good and righteous citizens of the country one day.

Since the students in addition to their academic pursuits should familiarise themselves moral values and deep involvement in religious affairs will make them good citizens. The students of today will be adults of tomorrow. They will be systematically driven to lead meaningful lives.

This kind of activity further gives them an opportunity to develop their talents and training leading them to a wider horizon in learning. Referring to the kids seated in front listening to pirith will hold fond memories leading them to be true Buddhists and this will put them on the right track.

This gives a very good message to the Buddhist world.

Referring to the prevailing state of affairs regarding crime in the present social set up involvement in Buddhist activities will inculcate in them moral values and good discipline.

This will be of great assistance to the parents who are anxious about their future. Thera focussing his attention on the second objective said that it was indeed a pleasure to recall the immeasurable service rendered to Sujatha by the late founder and the first principal and he said the idea of offering merit to all of them is something to be admired.

To show the deep debt of gratitude the Sujathaians owe to their founder is well exhibited in the pirith ceremony and it is a very good deed to be continued annually.

How religion is being encouraged by this prestigious institution is marvellous. Buddhist image is well retained with ethnic harmony. Finally the exceptional success of the event could be attributed specially to the hard work and courage mixed with commitment and the united effort of the staff and parents. Special mention should be made of the present management for the ever increasing patronage provided throughout to promote the cause of education of quality.

- Rupa Banduwardane

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