19th March 2019 20:21:28 Hours
A religious ceremony to unveil the standing Buddha statue in Sri Abhinavarama Viharaya, Pansalagala, Kewiliyamadu in Batticaloa, was held under the patronage of Major General K P A Jayasekera WWV RSP USP ndc psc, the Commander Security Force (East), on Sunday (17). The event was held in line with the series of religious events organized in the Security Force (East) area during ‘Tripitakabhivandana’ week that has been declared from 16 to 23 March, to mark the declaration of the Theravada Tripitaka, the sacred scripture of Buddhists, as a World Heritage.
The Venerated Golden Karanduwa was taken in Perahara by the Commander Security Force (East) and placed by the Buddha statue and made the first offering of flowers to the statue. Meanwhile, the Commander Security Force (East) opened the newly constructed ‘Dharma Shalawa’ of the temple and took part in the ceremonial occasion to release water of the newly built tank at the temple premises which would provide required water to the farmers living nearby. The Commander Security Force (East) appreciated the civilians who provided the financial assistance and Lieutenant Colonel W G I S Gamage USP, the Commanding Officer of 4th Battalion the Gemunu Watch and his troops for their involvement in providing their technical expertise and labour for the construction duties of the temple.
Most significantly, the Commander Security Force (East) was conferred with the honorary title, 'BUDDHASHASANA KEERTHI SRI' by Maha Sangha of Amarapura Sri Kalyaniwansha Chapter appreciating his dedicated services to foster Buddhism in the Eastern region, in particular after he was appointed to the office as the Commander Security Force (East). The invited monks awarded the scroll that contains the honorary title amidst the distinguished guests and the devotees who were present for the event.
Chief Incumbent of Mangalaramaya, Batticaloa, Ven. Ampitiye Sumanarathana Thero, Buddhist Monks, Brigadier W A K B Udalupola RSP, General Officer Commanding - 23 Division, Brigadier G W L Mahinkanda, Brigadier General Staff - Security Force Headquarters (East), Colonel GMN Perera RWP RSP - Commander 231 Brigade were among the large gathering that witnessed the religious ceremony.
