Second day of Buddha Rashmi Vesak Zone of Gangaramaya Temple illuminated by Commander of the Navy
 

The ceremonial opening of the Buddha Rashmi Vesak Zone presided over by the Indian Prime Minister, Hon. Narendra Modi along with the participation of the Sri Lankan Prime Minister, Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe got underway yesterday (11) at the Seema Malaka premises of Gangaramaya Temple, Hunupitiya.

All the religious affairs of its second day (May 12) were vested in the Sri Lanka Navy. As part of that, the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne made the switching of illumination of the Vesak Zone this evening. The President of the Navy Seva Vanitha Unit, Mrs. Yamuna Wijegunaratne was also present at the event.

At the outset, the Commander of the Navy and Mrs. Wijegunaratne paid homage to the Sarvagna Dathu relics.   Subsequently Vice Admiral Wijegunaratne took the precedence of the meritorious act of taking the Sacred Casket from the Gangaramaya to the Seema Malaka premises in a procession while the Navy's Cultural Troupe playing of traditional 'Hevisi’, drums and dancing. Thereafter, the Most Venerable In Shun Nayaka Thara of Konfa Temple in Zen Jin, China and Commander of the Navy joined the illumination of Vesak Zone with shimmering light.

The Chief Incumbent of the Gangaramaya, Adhikarana Sangha Nayaka, Most Venerable Galaboda Siri Ganissara Thera presided over the religious observances of the evening and made a special sermon as well. Meanwhile, the Most Venerable In Shun Nayaka Thara of Konfa Temple also expressed his views on the glamour and sacredness of Buddha Rashmi Vesak celebrations.

The event was also attended by Venerable Maha Sangha arrived here from various countries, Minister of Tourism Development, Christian Religious Affairs and Land, Hon. John Amaratunga, State Minister of National Integration and Reconciliation, Hon. A. H. M. Fowzie, Chief of Staff of the Navy, Rear Admiral Sirimevan Ranasinghe, local and foreign dignitaries, Director Generals, senior officers, sailors and a large number of devotees.