Navy facilitates annual Katina ceremony at Nagadeepa Rajamaha Viharaya

The annual Katina ceremony of the historical Nagadeepa Purana Rajamaha Viharaya on Nainativu Island, Jaffna, was conducted on 27 and 28 October 2026 with the patronage and support of the Sri Lanka Navy.

The religious event was organised under the counsel of the Chief Incumbent of the Nagadeepa Purana Rajamaha Viharaya and Chief Sanghanayake of Northern Sri Lanka, Most Venerable Navadagala Padumakitti Tissa Nayaka Thero. The arrangements of the events had been organised by the Northern Naval Command, following the guidance of Commander Northern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Dammika Wijewardana.

The ceremony commenced on 27 October with a colourful procession. The sacred Katina Cheewaraya (robe) was carried around Nainativu Island from the Naval Detachment of Nainativu amidst the chanting of Pirith for public veneration, before being placed back at the Naval Detachment. Religious rituals facilitated by the Navy took place at the temple that evening.

This morning, 28 October, the Katina Cheewaraya was brought to the temple from the Naval Detachment, where the robe offering took place. The Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Damian Fernando attended proceedings, which included the offering of mid-day alms (Daana) and requisites (Pirikara) to the Maha Sangha.

Deputy Chief of Staff and Commander Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Buddhika Liyanagamage, Commander Northern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Dammika Wijewardana, alongside naval officers, sailors and Buddhist devotees attended the event.