Commander of the Navy illuminates the second day of Buddha Rashmi Vesak Zone of Gangaramaya Temple
 

The ceremonial opening of the Buddha Rashmi Vesak Zone of this year got off the ground on 29 April 2018 under the patronage of the Prime Minister, Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Seema Malaka premises of Gangaramaya Temple, Hunupitiya.

All religious activities of its second day (April 30) were undertaken by the Sri Lanka Navy with full of devotion. As part of that, Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Sirimevan Ranasinghe made the switching of illumination of the Vesak Zone in the evening.

At the outset, the Commander of the Navy paid homage to the sacred Sarvagna Dathu relics. Thereupon, Vice Admiral Ranasinghe joined the meritorious act of carrying the Sacred Casket from the Gangaramaya to the Seema Malaka premises in a procession while the Navy's Cultural Troupe playing of traditional 'Hevisi’, drums and dancing.

Afterwards, Venerable Kirinde Assaji Thera of the Gangaramaya Temple conducted the religious rituals of the evening and made a special sermon as well. The Thera also expressed his views on the glamour and sacredness of Buddha Rashmi Vesak celebrations.

The event was also attended by the Venerable Maha Sangha arrived from various countries, Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Vajira Abeywardena, Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government and Minister of Sports, Hon. Faizer Mustapha, State Minister of National Integration and Reconciliation, Hon. A. H. M. Fowzie, local and foreign dignitaries, Director Generals of the Navy, senior officers, sailors and a large number of devotees.