Army Personnel Actively Engage in \'Vesak\' Commemorative Programmes
All officers and other rankers representing the Army are contributing to the success of the ongoing Colombo Gangarama Vesak Zone and elsewhere round the country on the directions of the Commander of the Army in close cooperation with the Army Buddhist Association. \r\n\r\nArmy personnel of all the Regiments have provided 35 colourful Vesak lanterns for the exhibition in the Gangarama Zone after decorating Gangarama and Galle Face areas with more than 1500 octagonal lanterns (Atapattam) and Buddhist flags on both roadsides. \r\n\r\nPresident Maithripala Sirisena together with Hon. Prime Minister attended the opening ceremony of the Gangarama Vesak Zone. \r\n\r\nLieutenant General Crishanthe De Silva, Commander of the Army on Sunday (03) evening was also associated with the inaugural opening ceremony at Gangaramaya and visited several lanterns produced by the Army. \r\n\r\nAt Panagoda Major General E.M.M Ambanpola, President, Army Buddhist Association participated in Buddha Pooja together with a record gathering of 6000 devotees including civilians and members of Army families. Ven Dodangoda Assaji Nayake Thero and a group of Buddhist monks conducted the day\'s Seela - Bhawana (meditation) programmes. \r\n\r\nIn addition, the winners in the Vesak lantern competition, organized by the Security Force Headquarters - West (SFHQ-West) were given prizes at the end of the day\'s programme at Panagoda. \r\n\r\nOn the full moon day (3), a float carrying Army personnel singing devotional songs (Bhakthi Gee) toured Gangarama Zone and Colombo suburbs praising Thisarana and commemorating the virtues of the Buddha. \r\n\r\nIn addition, thousands of illuminations added colour and glitter to major buildings, used by the Army both in Colombo and elsewhere. Of them, the Army Headquarter\'s arrangements shone prominently. All major formations, including Security Force Headquarters round the country have organized their own Vesak arrangements. \r\n\r\nMajor General U.A.B Medawela, Commander, SFHQ-West and a large number of officers were present in the programmes at Panagoda.
