24th March 2019 22:08:26 Hours
The Gajaba Regiment in collaboration with Neth FM and Colombo TV organized a mammoth religious programme (Kanchuka Pujawa, Ashtapana Pujawa, Chathumadura/gilanpasa pujawa etc) on 23 March 2019, to commemorate fallen war heroes of the Sri Lanka Army/Navy/Air Force/Police/ Civil Defence Force who made the supreme sacrifices during the line of duty to safeguard the motherland and to invoke blessings to serving/retired able and differently abled officers and Other Ranks with the blessings of Commander of the Army and with the directions/supervision of the Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army and the Colonel of the Regiment of the Gajaba Regiment, Major General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc at 'Jethawanaramaya', one of the most preeminent stupas in Sri Lanka.
Amidst Buddhist religious rituals the programme was began with an impressive perahera and the Pansil (Five Precepts) Anusasanawa was delivered by Ven. Ihala Halmillawe Rathanapala Nayaka thero, Viharadikari of the Jethawanaramaya (The Chief Incumbent). Major General Shavendra Silva was also did not forget to address the massive gathering and express his noble respect for fallen war heroes as a true citizen of the country where people are also grateful on our war heroes today and always. "Therefore, the unparalleled bravery of our war heroes are never be forgotten" he added. He was also thankful to the Commander of the Army for his blessings and support given to make this magnitude event a success.
Ven. Galigamuwe Gnanadeepa thero, Ven. Wathurakumbure Dhammarathana thero, Ven. Ganekande Chandarathana thero and Ven. Medirigiriye Punyasara thero conducted several important dhamma sermons during the event.
About three hundred thousands of people from fallen war heroes' families and several serving able/differently abled officers and Other Ranks were attended and more than twenty thousand family members of Gajaba War Heroes were also attended the event of blessing their beloved son/daughter, husband or father/ brother to attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana.
Regimental Council Members, Centre Commandant Brig Harendra Peiris RWP RSP USP, Deputy Commandant Col Mahinda Rajapaksha RWP RSP USP, COs, Staff Officers at the RHQGR, members of the Gajaba Seva Vanitha branch Neth FM Chairman and Staff and Chairman and Staff of Colombo TV channel were also among the gathering.
