Navy extends support for annual Katina Pinkama ceremony of Rathana Sadaham Meditation Centre, Kithulkote

The annual Katina Pinkama ceremony of Rathana Sadaham Meditation Centre in Kithulkote, Thanamalwila was successfully held with the assistance of the Sri Lanka Navy on 02nd and 03rd November 2024.

The Rathana Sadhaham Meditation Center, known as the Kithulkote 'Asapuwa,' holds a special place among Buddhist devotees. For many years, the Sri Lanka Navy, in partnership with the Naval Buddhist Association, has supported its annual 'Vas Aradhana Pinkama' and 'Katina Cheewara Poojawa' ceremonies, underscoring their commitment to this revered tradition.

As it has been the practice, this year’s Katina Pinkama Ceremony was held seeking the counsel of the Chief Incumbent of Rathana Sadaham Meditation Centre, Ven. Walasmulle Gunarathana Thero. Meanwhile, the Southern Naval Command had made arrangements for the successful conduct of the event, following the directives of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera.

Under the supervision of Commander Southern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Chandima Silva, Katina Robe (Cheewara) was brought to the naval establishments in the Southern Naval Area for naval personnel to pay their homage, from 29th October. Coinciding with the Katina Pinkama Ceremony, a Bodhi Puja and all-night Pirith Chanting were also held on 02nd November. Further, Katina Robe was brought to the Sudarshana Buddhist Centre in Kithulkote by a specially arranged vehicle from SLNS Kawantissa in Hambantota on the morning of 03rd November. Next, Katina Robe was carried in a colourful procession, organised by the Southern Naval Command, to Rathana Sadaham Meditation Centre, and performed rituals. After the performance of rituals associated with the ceremony, Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera and President of Navy Seva Vanitha Unit, Mrs Mala Lamahewa presided the meritorious acts of offering mid-day alms and Pirikara to 38 members of Maha Sangha.

The Deputy Chief of Staff of the Navy, Rear Admiral Nishantha Peiris, President of Naval Buddhist Association and Director General Health Services, Surgeon Rear Admiral Janaka Marambe, Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Chinthaka Kumarasinghe, Commander Southern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Chandima Silva, Director General Engineering, Rear Admiral Chinthaka Rajapaksha, officers from the Navy Headquarters and Southern Naval Command, sailors and a group of devotees were also present on this occasion.