Troops Help Conduct of “Katina” at Sammidhi Sumana Vihara, Navathkuli

General Officer Commanding of 52 Infantry Division, Major General Sanjeewa Fernando RWP RSP ndu and all troops, during 15 – 16 October 2022 assisted the conduct of the annual ‘Katina Cheevara’ ceremony at Navathkuli Sammidhi Sumana Vihara under the guidance of the Chief incumbent of the temple,Venerable Shasthrapthi Hanwelle Rathnasiri Thero.

The monastic tradition for offer of 'Katina' to Maha Sanghawas organized by the troops of 52 Infantry Division as per the instructions of the General Officer Commanding of 52 Infantry Division and under the patronage of the Commander Security Forces (Jaffna) Major General Chandana Wijayasundara RSP USP ndu.

The ceremony formally began on Saturday (15) evening with the commencement of the overnight 'Pirith' chanting at the octagon (Pirith Mandapaya) along with 22 Maha Sangha and the Katina Cheewara Pooja (ritual offering of new robes) took place on the following morning. Early morning on Sunday (16), a procession carrying the 'Katina Cheevaraya' by the General Officer Commanding of 52 Infantry Division with drummers, dancing groups and flag-bearers wended its way to the main preaching hall atop the temple premises, accompanied by a gathering of devotees.

The precursor to the main 'Katina' ceremony on Saturday (15), a string of religious programmes that took place on Sunday (16) included offerings of “Heel Daana” and “Dawal Daana”, which were also organized by the troops of 52 Infantry Division.

Members of the Maha Sangha, Commander Security Forces (Jaffna), General Officer Commanding of 51 Infantry Division, Commanders of 521 and 522 Infantry Brigades, all Commanding Officers under 52 Infantry Division, other Senior Officers, troops of 52 Infantry Division, Police Officers and a gathering of devotees were associated with the evening's segment of the 'Katina' ceremony.