Navy begins Anniversary celebrations with religious observances

The Sri Lanka Navy has commenced its 68th Anniversary celebrations, giving prominence to religious observances. According to Navy media, an all-night ‘Pirith’ chanting and alms-giving ceremony were held at SLNS Gemunu in Welisara on 30 November and 1 December. 

This was followed by a flag-blessing ceremony at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura on 2 and 3 December. The ceremony was held under the patronage of Navy Commander Vice Admiral Sirimevan Ranasinghe.

The flag-blessing ceremony was held for the seventh consecutive year and religious observances were led by the Atamasthanadhipathi, Chief Sanghanayaka North Central Province Dr. Pallegama Sirinivasa Nayaka Thero and Maha Sangha. The ceremony saw 77 flags, including the National flag, Buddhist flag, Naval Ensign and flags of naval commands, establishments, ships and crafts, being blessed.

The occasion was also attended by Navy Chief of Staff Rear Admiral Piyal De Silva and other senior naval officers. A ‘Kapruk Pooja Pinkama’, organised by the Navy Buddhist Association, was also conducted at the Ruwanveliseya on the side-lines of the blessing ceremony.

The Sri Lanka Navy will celebrate its 68th anniversary tomorrow.