25th February 2018 16:57:41 Hours
‘Esala Zone’ -2017 organized by Sri Lanka National Guard under the guidance of its Colonel of the Regiment Maj Gen A P de Z Wickramaratne RWP ndu psc, successfully got underway on 08 and 09 July 2017 at Maligapitiya grounds, Kurunegala, for the 4th successive spell.
Being the most prominent religious Festival organized to mark Esala Full moon poya in North Western Province, this event has been of instrumental importance to enhance ties between civil community and troops in the region.
Proceedings of the event commenced at 1900 hrs on 8 July 2017 under the patronage of Colonel of the Regiment, Maj Gen Piyal Wickramarathne, Deputy chief incumbent of ASGIRIYA CHAPTER and chief incumbent of ETHKANDA RAJA MAHA WIHARA - KURUNEGALA, most venerable ANAMADUWE DHAMADASSI Maha Thero with Maha Sangha were fed to the “Esala Zone” with veneration by an enchanting procession. This was followed by religious rituals and Colonel of the Regiment declared open the festival by illuminating the “Esala zone”.
All SLNG battalions contributed for the festival by displaying colourful lanterns, and the lantern produced by SLNG for the “Buddha Rashmi Vesak Zone” which secured the first in place defence services category and second place in overall competition was displayed for the public. This has opened up an avenue to master the artistic creativity of troops whilst enhancing pious attitudes of the people.
Medicinal drinks were provided overnight for the visiting devotees and Sri Lanka Army “Devotional Songs” group glittered the Ceremony with their musical notes overnight. People thronged in the “Esala Zone” with a view to enrich their pious faculties.
The Festival got underway under the honorary presence of Colonel of the Regiment Maj Gen Piyal Wickramarathne, Regimental Council Member Brig Lal Chandrasiri, Centre Commandant Brig DHMWB Thammita, Deputy Centre Comandant Col Roshan Jayamanna and many respected dignitaries in the region. On the second day of the “Esala Zone” Maj Gen Manoj Mudannayake, Commander FMA (EAST) graced the occasion as the chief invitee.
