Navy lines up to undertake a series of religious programmes on the sidelines of ‘Tripitakabhivandana’ Week

The President His Excellency, Maithripala Sirisena declared the Theravada Tripitaka as a National Heritage of Sri Lanka on 05^th January. In parallel with that initiative, the Presidential Secretariat has announced the ‘Tripitakabhivandana’ Week from 16^th to 23^rd March, in the backdrop of the Tripitaka being recognized as a World Heritage by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

During this week, a number of religious programmes are scheduled to be held at all naval establishments, ships and craft, under the directives of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva and supervision of respective Area Commanders. Accordingly, arrangements have been made to conduct special religious programmes including ‘shabdha pooja’, ‘aloka pooja’ and flying the Buddhist Flag on naval premises. Further, ‘Tripitakabhivandana’ oath will be read on 22^nd March.

As part of the series of religious events, a ‘Dharma Deshana’ and chanting of ‘Seth Pirith’ followed by alms giving coupled with ‘Pirikara’ offering to Maha Sangha were held under the patronage of Commander of the Navy, aboard A 521 vessel today (17^th March).

Commanding Officers of vessels attached to the Western Naval Command, Commanding Officer of A 521, Commander Priyantha Fernando, senior officers and a large number of sailors were also present on this occasion.