Blessings at Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya invoke spiritual strength on Navy’s journey of 74 years

As part of the sequence of religious programmes held in view of the 74th Anniversary of the Sri Lanka Navy, a spiritual event was conducted at the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya on 27th December 2024, with the attendance of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera and the President of Navy Seva Vanitha Unit, Mrs. Mala Lamahewa.

Giving pride and place to Buddhist, Christian, Islam and Hindu faiths, the Sri Lanka Navy has organized a series of multi-religious programmes to invoke blessings on its 74th Anniversary. This special programme was held under the patronage of the Naval Buddhist Association and had been organized by the naval establishment SLNS Kelani. This event also marked the culmination of the Navy's religious observances in celebration of its milestone anniversary.

Before the performance of the this special religious ritual at the ‘Dhathu Mandira’ of Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, Commander of the Navy and President of Navy Seva Vanitha Unit paid their obeisance to Chief Incumbent of the temple, Professor, Most Ven. Kollupitiye Mahinda Sangharakkitha Thero. During this spiritual event, the members of Maha Sangha transferred merits on fallen naval war veterans and blessings were invoked on disabled naval war heroes, all naval personnel both serving and retired, their family members and the Navy.

The Chief of Staff of the Navy, Rear Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, the President of Naval Buddhist Association and Director General Health Services, Rear Admiral Janaka Marambe, Director Generals, Commander Western Naval Area and Commandant Volunteer Naval Force, Rear Admiral Chinthaka Kumarasinghe, executive committee members of Navy Seva Vanitha Unit, flag - ranking officers and naval personnel from the Navy Headquarters and the Western Naval Command were also present on this occasion.