Navy celebrates Vesak

Sri Lanka Navy celebrated Vesak, which marks the Birth, the Enlightenment and the Passing Away of the Gautama Buddha, in its bases island wide. Naval personnel took part in various religious activities conducted in view of the thrice-blessed day. Special Poojas, Sil campaigns and alms givings were held at a number of naval bases. Colourfully decorated Vesak lanterns were put on public display and crowds who gathered to view them were treated with food and refreshments.

Personal enrichment under religious guidance takes a prominent place in the lives of naval personnel. In pursuance of their religious ideals, they took some time off their normal duty to practise Buddhist rituals on Vesak day. Some clad in white observed sil while others offered flowers, lit oil lamps and burnt incense, paying obeisance to the Buddha. The serenity of the atmosphere created, added a heightened sense of religious fervour in all those who participated in the Vesak celebrations. They found wise counsel from listening to the teachings of the Buddha delivered by prominent Buddhist monks. Merit was also invoked on all who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.