27th July 2018 13:38:45 Hours
On a request made by the Secretary to Sri Lanka Ramanna Nikarakshaka Sabha, Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake, the Commander of the Army has assigned Major General Santhusitha Pananwala, Commander Security Force (East) and Major General Mahinda Mudalige, General Officer Commanding 24 Division to engage and coordinate the 71 Upasampada Ceremony task in most appropriately. This ritual was held in the middle of the Gal Oya River from 18 July 2018 to 25 July 2018 covering eight days. There were 400 Samaneras qualified to have Upasampada and each day 50 Samaneras were made as Upasampada in front of Chief Monks, including Most Venerable Napana Premasiri thero with several ritual and proceedings.
This was the 71 Upasampada programme under Sri Lanka Ramanna Nikaya and the first time to be held in Ampara in the history. On the direction of the Commander of the Army and Commander Security Force (East), troops under 24 Division together with Engineer Service Regiment gave their fullest contribution to swiftly finish the construction work of two story building, including sanitary facilities, vehicle park, internal road network with interlock tiles at Buddhangala Dhaham Madura Temple and upper story of Sri Viddyaraja Pirivena at Iginiyagala in order to accommodate all the monks in comfort. In addition, all the temples, schools and other government buildings which were utilized for this event were cleaned by the troops under 24 Division.
The Upasampada programme was being ceremonially inaugurated in the presence of the Hon. Karu Jayasuriya, Speaker of the Parliament, Hon. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, Minister of Higher Education and Cultural Affairs, Hon. Daya Gamage, Minister of Social Welfare and Primary Industries, Hon. Anoma Gamage, Deputy Minister of Petroleum Resources Development, Hon. Rohitha Bogollagama, Governor of Eastern Province, Mr Thusitha P Wanigasinghe, Government Agent - Ampara District, Senior DIG Mr. Kapila Jayasekara and Major General Mahinda Mudalige, General Officer Commanding 24 Division on 18 July 18. Samaneras who were eligible to become Upasampada came from various parts of the country and more than 2500 civilians attended to witness this event. The meals were provided constantly to all the devotees.
With the invitation of Most Venerable Napana Premasiri thero, Scion of Bho Tree which is originated from Sri Maha Bodhi wassigni ficantly planted by Major General Mahinda Mudalige in order to conclude the event on 25 July 2018.
This historical religious programme terminated on 25 Jul 18 before Sunset. Navy, Air Force, Police, Civil Defence Force and all the Government Officials afforded their fullest contribution to make this programme success.
