06th June 2023 17:49:54 Hours
The Poson Festival is a significant event in Sri Lanka, celebrated by Buddhists all over the country. It is the time when people reflect on the teachings of Lord Buddha and engage in charitable and religious activities to accrue merit. In parallel to the Poson Festival 2023, 61 and 14 Infantry Divisions under the Security Forces (West) contributed to the celebrations by conducting several charitable and religious programmes in their area of responsibility as per the directions of the Commander Security Forces (West), Major General D M K D B Pussella RWP RSP.
Accordingly, one of the notable initiatives was the Shramadana campaign conducted by a contingent of Army personnel from 144 Infantry Brigade at Kotte Rajamahaviharaya on 31 May 2023, as per the request made by the Incumbent of the temple. During the project, Army personnel cleaned the surroundings of the temple and cut the weeds that had grown in and around the temple premises. This initiative showcases the commitment of the Sri Lankan Army towards preserving cultural and religious sites in the country.
At the same time, a group of 144 troops also gave their assistance by providing manpower to successfully conduct a Bath Dansala which was organized by the Sadaham Sisila Buddhist Centre, Kelanimulla on 03 June 2023 at Sadaham Sisila Buddhist Centre premises.
Meanwhile, another commendable initiative was undertaken by 3 (V) Gemunu Watch troops of 613 Infantry Brigade under 61 Infantry Division. They provided their assistance in constructing a pagoda at Matara Randupata Uposathagara Rajamaha Viharaya known as ‘Parewi Duwa’ Temple on 03 June 2023.
During the project, troops carried the necessary materials, consisting of sand, bricks, and cement, up the hill to construct the pagoda of the temple together with the civilians in the area.
Meantime, with the theme "Pansil Rakina Lumbiniyak," 14 Infantry Division troops provided their assistance by giving manpower to conduct the Poson zone, which was organized by the Lumbini College, Colombo, on 03 June 2023 at school premises.
This, Poson zone included a Dansala and a variety of beautiful Poson lanterns. The event was organized to invoke merits for fallen war heroes and blessings for disabled soldiers, including the late Lieutenant Colonel Lalith Jayasingha, who was an old boy at Lumbini College, Colombo.
Adding one more event to the Poson Festival in the Puttam area, troops of 143 Infantry Brigade Headquarters, 16 Battalion Gajaba Regiment, and 1 Sri Lanka National Guard under 14 Infantry Division conducted a ‘Bath Dansala’ on 03 June 2023, at the 143 Infantry Brigade Headquarters, Sellakandawatta, Puttalam.
The troops volunteered their time and resources to prepare a variety of mouthwatering Sri Lankan dishes with rice and traditional curries, which were served to more than 3000 devotees who were going on pilgrimage in and around the Puttalam area during the Poson festival.
Further, troops of 15 Drone Regiment Sri Lanka Artillery of 142 Infantry Brigade conducted a series of programmes along with the Poson festival on 03 and 04 June 2023.
The celebrations commenced with the ‘Seela Samadi’ event followed by ‘Bodhi Pooja and Sermon’ programmes in the evening. Then, a structure of ‘Mihinthalaya’ was ceremonially illuminated near the main entrance. At the same time, the troops also organized a "Koss Dansela" in front of the main entrance of Panaluwa Camp for the devotees in the early hours of 04 June 2023.
Further, these initiatives demonstrate the Sri Lankan Army's commitment to preserving cultural and religious sites in the country and their dedication to serving the people of Sri Lanka. The troops' contributions were commendable, and they deserve appreciation for their efforts in making the Poson Festival 2023 a success.
Moreover, respective General Officer Commandings, Brigade Commanders along with Commanding Officers closely monitored the Army’s commitment towards Poson Festival.
