Three thousand members of Maha Sangha at Maha Piritha

A chanting of the Jaya Piritha organised by the Defence Ministry to mark the third anniversary of the liberation of Sri Lanka from the terrorist menace was held at the BMICH on Wednesday night.

The annual Jaya Pirith chanting programme was initiated in 2007 on a concept of Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa to invoke blessings on the country for strength to defeat terrorism and restore peace.

It was held once again in 2008 to strengthen the morale of the Security Forces and encourage them to defeat terrorism before November 19, 2009.

A press release issued by the President's Media Division said on Wednesday 3,000 members of the Maha Sangha who participated in the Jaya Pirith chanting were conducted to the BMICH in a colourful procession replete with cultural items akin to the Sri Lankan identity.

Defence Secretary Rajapaksa carried the sacred casket of relics and Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga carried the Pirivana Poth Wahanse and placed them in the Pirith Mandapaya.

Thereafter, President Mahinda Rajapaksa offered Gilanpasa to the Maha Sangha and invited them to begin the Pirith chanting by offering the traditional Deheth Wattiya.

Most Ven Udugama Sri Buddharakkhitha Mahanayake Thera of the Asgiriya Chapter administered pansil to the gathering at the commencement of the pirith chanting. Ven Welamitiyawe Kusaladhamma, Chief Sanghanayake Thera of Colombo and Chilaw districts who delivered an anusasana said the President's correct leadership, the Defence Secretary's proper guidance and the dedication of the war heroes contributed to the success of the humanitarian operation and the restoration of peace.

Most Ven Niyangoda Vijithasiri Anunayake Thera of the Malwatte Chapter delivered the anusasana preceding the Jaya Pirith. chanting.