Commander of the Navy pays homage to Temple of Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy

The Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda paid homage to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) in Kandy today (08th January 2025). In addition, he also paid his obeisance to the Mahanayake Theros of Malwatta and Asgiriya monastic establishments. The visit which marked the Navy Chief’s maiden visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic since assuming the office as the 26th Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, was aimed at invoking blessings for the Navy's future endeavours. During this visit, the Commander of the Navy was accompanied by the President of Navy Seva Vanitha Unit, Mrs. Anusha Banagoda.

At the outset, the Commander of the Navy and the President of Navy Seva Vanitha Unit paid their obeisance to Most Venerable Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Mahanayake Thero of Asgiriya Chapter. After offering Pirikara, they received the blessings of the Mahanayake Thero. Next, the Commander of the Navy called on and received the blessings of the Anunayaka Thero of the Asgiri Chapter, Venerable Wedaruwe Upali Thero.

Moreover, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda paid his obeisance to the Mahanayake of the Malwathu Chapter of the Siam Sect, Most Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Sumangala Thero and Anunayaka Thero of the Malwathu Chapter, Most Venerable Dr. Niyangoda Dharmakeerthi Sri Sangarakkitha Vijithasiri Thero and received their blessings.

Subsequently, the Commander of the Navy visited the Temple of Sacred Tooth Relic where he was received by the Chief Custodian of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Mr. Pradeep Nilanga Dela. Following this, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda paid homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic, invoking the blessings on future endeavours of the Navy.

The Director General Health Services and the President of Naval Buddhist Association, Rear Admiral Janaka Marambe, Commanding Officer SLNS Shilpa, Captain Sanjeewa Annathugoda and a group of naval personnel were also present on this occasion.