19th March 2021 20:00:45 Hours
The all-night ‘Pirith’ chanting, a customary religious feature, organized by the Vijayabahu Infantry Regimental Centre on account of the forthcoming 31st Regimental Day (22 March) got underway on 18 March 2021 (Thursday), evening at the Vijayabahu Infantry Regimental Centre premises by adhering all the guidelines that stipulated to prevent the COVID-19 pandemic. The chanting follows offer of ‘Heel’ Daana (alms) on the following day (19).
Major General S P K A Pilapitiya RWP RSP USP, Colonel of the Regiment of the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment, Brigadier S R B Aluvihare RWP RSP ndu psc, Principal Staff Officer of Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force Headquarters, Brigadier K A W N H Bandaranayake USP, Centre Commandant of the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment, Senior Officers and Other Ranks attended the programme.
Soon after a colourful ‘perahera’, comprised of various cultural dances and events led members of the Maha Sangha to the temple premises in Regimental Centre, the day’s Chief Guest, Major General Sisira Pilapitiya in keeping with ancient traditions, offered the tray of betel (Deheth Wattiya) to Ven Nayiliya Somalankara Thero, Chief Incumbent of Nayiliya Sri Naganganarama Purana Viharaya, seated in the octagon (Pirith Kotuwa) for chanting and symbolically invited the Maha Sangha to commence chanting until the following morning.
The Nayaka Thero on behalf of the members of the Maha Sangha delivered an Anusasana (oration) and invoked blessings on the organization, injured War Heroes and transferred merits on the fallen, recalling the glorious past history of the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment. He also praised the Army's diverse roles and wished good luck with its onward march as defenders of the nation.
Members representing All Ranks in the Vijayabahu Infantry Regimental Centre joined the meritorious programme and listened to the overnight chanting. Offer of the ‘Heel Daana’ (breakfast) and ‘Solos Pirikara’ on Friday (19) morning to 30 monks at the “Salute” Multifunctional Hall brought the religious ceremonies at the RHQ VIR to end. Troops from all 20 battalions of VIR together with the Commanding Officers and battalion representatives attended for the programme and they were treated by the breakfast at the “Salute” Multifunctional Hall after the conclusion of ‘Heel Daana’ event.
