06th May 2023 17:17:50 Hours
The Vesak Festival is one of the most significant events in the Buddhist calendar and is celebrated by millions of people around the world. It commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of Lord Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. In line with the Vesak Festival 2023, troops of Security Forces Headquarters (West) and Sri Lanka Army Buddhist Association together with members of 'Shri Saman Meth Sansadaya' have taken the initiative to organize another charity event at Bodhirajaramaya Army temple, Panagoda, to worship the 'omniscient sacred relic and the disciple relics' in the fragrance chambers of Shri Saman Meth Sansadaya for people on 05 and 06 May 2023.
The event was organized to provide an opportunity for people to pay their respects to the sacred relics and to participate in acts of charity and goodwill. The Sri Saman Meth Sansadaya requested the Security Forces Headquarters (West) to organize the event at the Bodhirajaramaya Army temple, which is a significant religious place in Sri Lanka Army as well as the perfect location for the event, while the Commander Security Forces (West), Major General D. M. K. D. B. Pussella RWP RSP, accepted the request and provided the necessary guidance for the success of the programme, with the approval of Army Headquarters.
During the event, the fragrance chambers at the temple housed the sacred relics and people were able to offer flowers as a sign of respect and devotion. The event was open to people of all faiths, and it provided an opportunity for people to come together and celebrate the spirit of Vesak. Meanwhile, as part of the programme, organizers also managed to conduct a 'Buddapooja' event at temple premises with the participation of Commander Security Forces (West) along with his spouse, Mrs. Himali Pussella and several senior Officers of Security Forces Headquarters (West) on the second day of the programme.
With the continuation of the programme, the Army personnel of Security Forces Headquarters (West) played a vital role in organizing and they provided necessary arrangements such as lighting, sound systems, and other facilities required for the event. At the same time, they also provided security, assisted the devotees in their prayers and ensured cleanliness and hygiene at the temple premises. The event was also an opportunity for the troops to interact with the local community and strengthen their relationship. Aside from the event, troops also arranged a 'Coriander (කොත්තමල්ලි) Dansala', which was opened by the Commander Security Forces (West) at the same venue on 06 May 2023, for the day's devotees.
Moreover, the Commander Security Forces (West) met and thanked the Army troops as well as the members of the Sri Saman Meth Sansadaya for their efforts in making a event memorable one. At last, he also emphasized the importance of such events in promoting unity and harmony among different communities.
In conclusion, the charity event organized by the troops of Security Forces Headquarters (West) together with the Sri Saman Meth Sansadaya was a remarkable achievement. It not only promoted the values of the Vesak Festival but also strengthened the bond between the troops and the local community. Such events are essential in promoting peace and harmony in society.
