Vesak Celebrations in Jaffna – 2024

The Security Forces (Jaffna) celebrated Vesak Commemorations 2024, symbolizing religious prosperity, the whole day on 23 May. Day proceedings started in the morning with the placing of a Sacred Casket and Crest - Gem and the Sacred Pinnacle at the Tissa Viharaya, KKS, by Major General MGWWWMCB Wickramasinghe RWP RSP ndu psc, the Commander Security Forces (Jaffna). Before being placed at the Tissa Viharaya, the Crest - Gem and the Sacred Pinnacle were placed at the Security Forces Headquarters, since 13 May for veneration of military troops.

In the evening, a “Bhakthi Gee” session was conducted in five different locations simultaneously by rotating two teams from Army, one team each from Navy, Ari Force and Police. At the end, all five teams were assembled to the Naga Viharaya, Jaffna and conducted a Tri Forces and Police combined ‘Bhakthi Gee’ session for the military and general public. Troops, including women soldiers, participated in the devotional songs commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and demise of the Buddha.

In line with the direction and guidance of the Jaffna Commander, for the first time in the history, a Tri Forces and Police combined Vesak Festival was organized in Jaffna and its troops were mobilized to decorate Jaffna Town and its suburbs, military establishments and its suburbs with multi-coloured Vesak lanterns and lightings in addition to the ‘Vesak Lantern’ competition which was held at the Naga Viharaya, Jaffna premises. A number of ‘Vesak Dansals’ were organized at many locations, and the main one was organized at the Naga Viharaya premises. Honourable Governor of the Northern Province Mrs PSM Charles, Honourable Dauglas Devananda, MP, Minister of Fisheries, along with government officials and military commanders and Police heads joined together with Jaffna Commander to inaugurate the ‘Vesak Dansala’. They also joined to witness ‘Bhakthi Gee’. A Large gathering was observed in all ‘Dansal’ locations and to witness ‘Bhakthi Gee’ symbolizing religious and ethnic harmony on the peninsula.

With the direction and guidance of Major General MGWWWMCB Wickramasinghe RWP RSP ndu psc, the Commander Security Forces (Jaffna), Division Commanders of 51 Division and 52 Division, Commander, Northern Naval Command, Commanding Officer, Ari Force Base - Palaly and Deputy Inspector General in Police - Jaffna, extended their fullest support to commemorate the Vesak Festival on a grand scale.