2,600th Sambuddhatva Jayanthi:

Defence Ministry Jaya Piritha on May 10

Asela KURULUWANSA and Indika POLKOTUWA

A Jaya Piritha to invoke blessings on the country and the people organised by the Defence Ministry will be held at the BMICH Colombo on May 10 with the participation of 2,600 bhikkhus representing the Tri Nikaya from all parts of the country.

Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa yesterday briefed the Most Ven Tibbotuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Mahanayake Thera of the Malwatte Chapter and the Most Ven Udugama Sri Buddharakkhita Mahanayake thera of the Asgiriya Chapter when he called on the prelates at their respective temples and received their blessings.

The Defence Secretary who earlier visited the Sri Dalada Maligawa and paid homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic told the prelates that the pirith pinkama an annual event held for the fourth consecutive time this year will also mark the 2,600th Sri Sambuddhatva Jayanthi.

The Defence Secretary also extended a formal invitation to the two prelates to participate in the pirith pinkama.

Presidential Co-ordinator on Religious Affairs Ven Getamanne Gunananda Thera, Central Province Governor Tikiri Kobbekaduwa, Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela Bandara and Director General Media Centre for National Security Lakshman Hulugalle were also present on the occasion.