Aranthalawa commemoration from May 31 to June 3

Nadira Gunatilleke

COLOMBO: The 20th commemoration of the massacre of 31 Bhikkus at Aranthalawa will be held in Colombo and Ampara from May 31 to June 3. The main ceremony will be held under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Aranthala Sangha Samaruwa will be held under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the BMICH, Colombo 7 at 2 p.m. on May 31.

Mahanayake Theras of all Chapters will also take part in this event. All Bhikkus in the temples in the North and East and the parents whose children are to be ordained and sent to the North-East will be felicitated.

The Mahasangha will be going on Pindapatha (alms round) in Colombo at 9.30 a.m on May 31. An exhibition consisting of 300 photographs on LTTE attacks on Buddhist sites and other acts of destruction will be opened at the BMICH at 10 a.m. on the same day.

A floral tribute will take place opposite Aranthala Bhikku Cenotaph on June 2 at 7 a.m.

One the same day at 9.45 a.m., 31 children will be ordained as Samanera Bhikkus at Aranthalawa under the Aranthalawen Mihinthalawata Programme implemented by the Public Trustee’s Department according to a concept of President Rajapaksa.

Foundation stones will be laid on the new Sanghawasa and Vishrama Sala on the same day at 11.05 a.m.

An all night Pirith ceremony on the same night will be broadcast over the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC).

A Sanghika Dana will be offered to 200 Bhikkus on June 3. Three Bhikkus who escaped with critical injuries in the Aranthalawa massacre is living with medical aid and another Bhikku is permanently disabled. They will be given medical assistance to mark this day.

Several social services will also be launched on the same day for the welfare of Ampara residents. The Aranthala Samaru Padanama is organising this commemoration.