Katina Pinkama Ceremony of Sandahiru Seya held in Anuradhapura

The Katina Pinkama Ceremony of Sandahiru Seya in the sacred city of Anuradhapura was held on 03rd and 04th November 2022. The noblest annual religious ceremony held under the auspices of Defence Secretary, General Kamal Gunaratne (Retd), was also attended by Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne.

The arrangements of this monastic tradition preserved and observed by Buddhists was organized by a Board of Trustees of Sandahiru Seya, comprising personnel from armed services. Commencing the rituals of this meritorious event, Defence Secretary placed the Katina robe at Maha Viharaya in Anuradhapura and performed associated rituals, on 03rd November. In the same evening, the Chief Incumbent of Sri Dalada Viharaya in Kindalegama, Medawachchiya and the Deputy Principal of Kebithigollewa Central College, Rajakeeya Panditha Waththegama Sumana Thera conducted a Dharma Deshana at the Sandahiru Seya premises.

On the morning of 04th November, the Katina robe was brought by a colourful procession from Maha Viharaya to Sandahiru Seya and it was offered in pious sentiments. Meanwhile, the morning alms was offered to Maha Viharaya and mid-day alms was offered to 30 members of Maha Sangha including Atamasthanadhipathi, Chief Incumbent of Ruwanweliseya temple and Chief Sanghanayake of Nuwara Kalaviya Most Ven. Pallegama Hemarathana Thera.

Chief of Defence Staff, General Shavendra Silva, Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana, officers and other ranks from tri-services and a group of Buddhist devotees were also present on this occasion.