“Buddharashmi” Religious Functions held under Navy Patronage

The religious functions held in view of the Buddharashmi Vesak celebrations were conducted under the patronage of the Sri Lanka Navy at Gangaramaya in Hunupitiya on 16^th May 2014. First Lady, Madam Shiranthi Wickremasinghe Rajapaksa ceremonially turned on the lights to illuminate Gangarama Vesak Zone. Senior Minister, Hon. A.H.M. Fowzie, Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Development, Dr Rajitha Senaratne, Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Jayanath Colombage, President of the Navy Seva Vanitha Unit, Mrs. Srima Colombage, Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Navy and Senior Naval officers were among the distinguished guests who attended the event.

The Buddharashmi Vesak celebrations are organized by the Presidential Secretariat and Gangaramaya under the guidance of Chief Incumbent Ven. Galaboda Gnanissara Thera. Days are allocated for the Services to hold religious events connected with the celebrations.

The day’s events commenced with a colourful procession conducted from the temple’s entrance to Seema Malakaya with the participation of naval personnel. Navy’s Bhakthi Gee Troupes recited Buddhist devotional songs onboard decorated naval craft which sailed in the illuminated Beira Lake adding colour to the occasion. Beautiful Vesak lanterns made by SLN personnel were also on display for the public visiting to view the Buddha Rashmi Vesak celebrations.