COMMANDER OF THE ARMY INAUGURATES EXPOSITION OF RELICS
Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Crisanthe De Silva inaugurated the exposition of sacred relics of the Lord Buddha and his two disciples, Arahath Sariputta and Arahath Moggallana Theros at Ampara Buddangala Aaranya Senasanaya. As the Chief Guest, the Commander took part in this meritorious event on 9 June 17 which was the main highlight of the Poson programme at the Aranya Senasanaya.\r\n\r\n At the invitation of Ven Deegawapiye Suseema Thero and Ven Buddangala Ananda Thero, the Commander respectfully carried the replica containing relics from the Dagoba (pagoda) and placed it in a casket for the worship of devotees amidst of Seth Pirith chanted by members of Maha Sangha. \r\n\r\n Subsequently, the Commander unveiled the statues depicted the inaugural dharma preaching of Lord Buddha to first five disciples (Paswaga Mahanun) in the premises which had been constructed by soldiers of the Sri Lanka Army.\r\n\r\n Ven Deegawapiye Suseema Thero and Ven Buddangala Ananda Thero explained the significance of the event as an annual feature after extending a warm welcome to the Commander of the Army. \r\n\r\n General Officer Commanding 24 Division Major General Mahinda Mudalige and Commandant Combat Training School (CTS) Ampara Major General Shantha Dissanayake too accompanied the Commander. \r\n
