09th November 2025 17:12:18 Hours
The Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers celebrated its 74th anniversary with a vibrant Perahera and an all-night Pirith Chanting Ceremony, honoring Sri Lanka's rich cultural and spiritual heritage on the 07th November 2025. The event began with a colorful Perahera, a grand procession featuring traditional dancers, drummers, torchbearers, and flagbearers, each adding symbolic meaning and energy to the gathering.
Major General D K S K Dolage USP nps psc, Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army and Colonel Commandant of the Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers, respectfully carried the sacred relic casket to the ‘Pirith Mandapaya,’ following traditional customs. The Maha Sangha was ceremoniously escorted into the Pirith Mandapaya, with Major General D K S K Dolage offering the customary Deheth Wattiya (tray of betel) to invite them to commence the overnight Pirith Chanting Ceremony. This symbolic gesture set the tone for invoking blessings upon the Corps on its anniversary.
The Maha Sangha delivered an Anusasana (oration), extending blessings for the Corps, honoring injured war heroes, and transferring merit to the fallen soldiers. The Pirith Chanting continued throughout the night, filling the air with prayers for peace, spiritual protection, and blessings, with participation of General A W J C De Silva (Retired) RWP VSV USP ndu psc, former Chief of Defence Staff and former Commander of the Army, General N U M M W Senanayake (Retired) RWP RSP VSV USP USACGSC, Former Commander of the Army, Former Colonel Commandants, Retired and Serving members of the Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers.
On the following day morning, the Corps concluded religious events related its 74th Anniversary commemorations with the offering of ‘Heel Daana’ (alms-giving) and ‘Pirikara’ to the Maha Sangha held at the Sappers' Mess. The Alms Giving began at dawn, with the Corps members gathering to offer the first meal of the day to 27 invited monks from the Maha Sangha, a deeply respected act of merit-making in the Buddhist tradition.
These spiritual and cultural observances not only upheld the Corps’ proud traditions but also served as a solemn tribute to the unwavering dedication of its members—past and present. Through faith and unity, the Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers continues to honor its glorious heritage, reaffirming the values of discipline, devotion, and selfless service that define the spirit of the Sappers.
