28th September 2024 12:43:58 Hours
The sacred Anuradhapura Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi precincts, sanctified by the planting of the sacred offshoot from India-based Sri Maha Ananda Bodhi turned impressively colorful as hundreds of representative Army personnel of all island-wide establishments on Friday (27) gathered there to invoking symbolic blessings on the forthcoming 75th Army Anniversary and the Army Day (10 October) as the inaugural religious segment of the anniversary programmes headed by the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu.
In accordance with traditions, Commander of the Army at first paid his respect to the Most Ven. Dr. Pallegama Hemarathna Nayaka Thero, Chief Incumbent of all eight places of worship (Atamasthandhipathi) and formally invited him to lead the religious performances at the Udamaluwa.
The Army flags, representing various Army formations were carried around the Weli Maluwa area three times before being handed to Senior Officers at the Meda Maluwa. The Commander of the Army later placed the flags at the foot of the sacred tree with other representatives of various establishments. The Most Venerable Ralapanawe Dhammajothi Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Lankarama Rajamaha Viharaya, praised the Army's dedication to the nation in a special oration during a religious programme.
With the concept of Commander of the Army and the direction of Commander Security Force (Wanni) Major General J P C Peiris RWP RSP ndc, and the supervision of General Officer Commanding 21 Infantry Division Major General W M S C K Wanasinghe RSP USP and General Officer Commanding 59 Infantry Division Major General D R N Hettiarachchi RWP RSP USP, symbolically handed over the keys to newly constructed houses for eight needy families in 21 Infantry Division and 59 Infantry Division area. These houses were constructed by Security Force (Wanni) troops in commemoration of the 75th Army Anniversary.
Subsequently, the Commander of the Army inaugurated the newly-erected guard booth for security checks, sponsored by the Bank of Ceylon and constructed by Security Force (Wanni) troops.
The Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, Commandant of Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force, Principal Staff Officers, Security Force Commanders, Colonels of the Regiments and Colonel Commandants, Directors, Senior Officers, Officers and Other Ranks joined the ceremony.
