Navy’s 74th Anniversary celebrations begin with Flag Blessing and Kanchuka Puja ceremonies in Anuradhapura

Demonstrating its deep reverence, the Sri Lanka Navy held the Naval Flag Blessing Ceremony and Kanchuka Puja under the patronage of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, along with the attendance of the President of Navy Seva Vanitha Unit, Mrs. Mala Lamahewa on 02nd November 2024. The events, organized by the Naval Buddhist Association, unfolded at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and Ruwanweliseya in Anuradhapura, in anticipation of invoking blessings on the forthcoming 74th Anniversary of the Sri Lanka Navy, slated for 09th December.

To mark Sri Lanka Navy’s 74th Anniversary, a series of multi-religious events are scheduled to commence.

The Commander of the Navy initiated the ceremonies by participating in Buddhist rituals, paying his obeisance to the Atamasthanadhipathi, Chief Sanghanayake of Nuwara Kalaviya, Most Venerable Pallegama Hemarathana Thera. Following this visit, a vibrant procession accompanied the naval flags to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, where blessings were sought. At the invitation of Commander of the Navy, members of Venerable Maha Sangha including Most Venerable Pallegama Hemarathana Thera, transferred merits on fallen naval war veterans and invoked blessings on missing and disabled naval heroes who ensured the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the motherland. They also invoked blessings upon the Commander of the Navy, all naval personnel, and their families for success in their future endeavours.

On the evening of 02nd November, the Kanchuka Puja ceremony took place at the Ruwanweliseya, where the Commander of the Navy flanked by senior officers and members of the Naval Buddhist Association, expressing their spiritual reverence, adorned the pagoda with a 300m-long Buddhist Flag which was brought to the premises by a colourful procession. The ceremony concluded with the Venerable Maha Sangha performing religious rites to bless the Sri Lanka Navy’s upcoming anniversary as well as Commander of the Navy and naval personnel.

The Chief of Staff of the Navy, Rear Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, Deputy Chief of Staff, Rear Admiral Nishantha Peiris, President of Naval Buddhist Association, Surgeon Rear Admiral Janaka Marambe & Director Generals, Commander North Central Naval Area, Rear Admiral Jagath Kumara & Area Commanders, executive committee members of the Navy Seva Vanitha Unit, flag-ranking officers, officers and sailors were also present on these events.