Defence Secretary offers Katina robes to Ven. Maha Sangha at Sandahiru Seya
November 04, 2022- Invoked blessings on tri-forces and war veterans during the ceremony
Defence Secretary Gen. Kamal Gunaratne offered new Katina robes to Ven. Maha Sangha at the Sandahiru Seya premises accomplishing a longstanding religious custom of ‘Katina Wasthra Puja’ (the offering of robes to Buddhist priests) in Anuradhapura today (Nov 04).
Gen. Gunaratne while paying homage to Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura yesterday evening (03) also placed the Katina robes on the upper terrace of the sacred venue to invoke the noble blessings.
Afterwards, the Chief Incumbent of Sri Dalada Viharaya in Kindalegama, Medawachchiya presided over a religious session conducted at the Sandahiru Seya premises during the same evening.
Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Shavendra Silva, Army Commander Lt. Gen. Vikum Liyanage, Navy Commander Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne, Air Force Commander Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana and Director General of the Civil Security Department Maj. Gen. Ranjan Lamahewage (Retd) were also present during the noblest annual religious ceremony.
Alms were offered to the Ven. Maha Sangha at the Jaya Sri Maha Viharaya premises today (04) morning and the Maha Sangha performed the religious acts during the occasion.
Offering the highest tribute to war veterans of our time, the Chief Incumbent of Anuradhapura Mirisawetiya Rajamaha Viharaya Most Ven. Ethalawetunawewe Gnanatilake Thero while presiding over the session invoked blessings on the military during the sermon held at the Sandahiru Seya today (04).
Construction of this mammoth revered monument, the ‘Sandahiru Seya’ commenced in 2010 in order to pay the nation’s gratitude to the war veterans who sacrificed their lives and to those who were maimed to usher peace to the motherland.
Katina Pinkama ceremonies are performed in Buddhist temples during the period from Vap Full Poya day to Il Full Moon Poya day and this ritual is considered the noblest religious performance which bestows limitless accumulated merit.
The Defence Secretary also paid homage to Acting Atamasthanadhipathi and Ruwanweliseya temple Chief Incumbent Most Ven. Pallegama Hemarathana thero as all the religious proceedings were conducted under the supervision of Nayaka thero.
Defence Ministry officials, senior military officers and a large gathering of devotees were also present at the events held at Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and Sandahiru Seya premises.
