Flag blessing at Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya heralds Army's 63rd
anniversary
Hundreds of representative soldier-turned multi-coloured flag-bearers
of the Sri Lanka Army, as a precursor to the forthcoming Army Day
(October 10) and 63rd Army Anniversary, made their presence felt at
Sacred Anuradhapura Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi precincts yesterday morning and
marked the commencement of a whole string of commemorative ceremonies.
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The flag blessing ceremony of Sri Lanka Army was held at the
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi premises in Anuradhapura yesterday under
the patronage of Army Commander Lt. Gen Jagath Jayasuriya.
The ceremony is a precursor to the 63 anniversary
celebration of Sri Lanka Army. Picture by Amila Prabath
Wanasinghe |
The symbolic Flag Blessing ceremony of the Army at Anuradhapura Jaya
Sri Maha Bodhi began with the arrival of Army Commander Lt. Gen. Jagath
Jayasuriya and senior officers.
The Army cultural troupe's rhythmic beats of Hevisi and Magul Bera
(traditional and auspicious drummers), heralded the beginning of the
day's offering as officers and other ranks, attired in ceremonial
military dress with their regimental and field formation flags aloft,
performed a solemn march around the Sacred tree thrice.
The customary religious ceremony, led by Atamastanadhipathi and
Incumbent at Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya Ven. Pallegama Sirinivasabhidhana
Nayaka Thera together with several chief monks,symbolically invoked
blessings on the Army flag, all Regimental and formation flags after
they were laid on a bed of jasmine and lotus flowers at the foot of the
sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya at the Udamaluwa.
The Army Commander made a cash donation of Rs 1 million, on behalf of
all serving the organization towards development of the sacred place and
offered Atapirikara.After the chanting of Seth Pirith, Ven Ralapanawe
Dhammajothi, Nayaka Thera, Lankaramadipathi and Adhikarana Sangha Nayaka
for North Central Province delivered a special Anusasanaa and spoke high
of the Army's sacrifices and dedication.
Adjutant - General Maj.Gen. Kamal Gunaratne, reading the citation
pledged to undertake another project in the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi complex.
The Army will sponsor the construction of one of the quarters in the new
Sanghawasa complex, now in progress, it was announced.
Monday's initial ceremony at Anuradhapura was joined by a large
gathering of senior officers, including Chief of Staff, Commander, Sri
Lanka Army Volunteer Force, Adjutant General, Commanders of Security
Forces Headquarters, Senior Officers, officers and other ranks. |
