Navy assists successful conduct of annual Katina Pinkama Ceremony of Rathana Sadaham Meditation Centre in Kithulkote

The annual Katina Pinkama ceremony of Rathana Sadaham Meditation Centre in Kithulkote, Thanamalwila was successfully held with the contribution of the Sri Lanka Navy and Navy Seva Vanitha Unit on 29th and 30th October 2022.

The premises where the Rathana Sadaham Meditation Centre in Kithulkote is located has a long history and it is believed that Rahath Theros have frequented this place in past. Following the directives of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne the restoration of Swarnapinda Chaithya located at this premises commenced on 05th August 2021. The project was carried out with manpower made available by the Navy, under the supervision of the Department of Archaeology. On completion of restoration work, the enshrinement of sacred relics in stupa and unveiling of spire of historic Swarnapinda Chaithya were held with the contribution of Sri Lanka Navy’s Buddhist Association on 18th September.

Rathana Sadhaham Meditation Center is also famous among Buddhist devotees as Kithulkote Asapuwa. Sri Lanka Navy has been a partner of annual ‘Vas Aradhana Pinkama’ and ‘Katina Cheewara Poojawa’ of Rathana Sadhaham Meditation Center, with contribution made possible by its Buddhist Association.

As it has been the practice, this year’s Katina Pinkama Ceremony was held seeking the counsel of the Chief Incumbent of Rathana Sadaham Meditation Centre, Ven. Walasmulle Gunarathana Thero. Meanwhile, the Southern Naval Command and the Navy Seva Vanitha Unit had made arrangements for the successful conduct of the event, following the directives of Commander of the Navy and President of Navy Seva Vanitha Unit.

Under the supervision of Commander Southern Naval Area, Katina Robe (Cheewara) was brought to the naval establishments in the Southern Naval Area for naval personnel to pay their homage, from 20th October. Coinciding with the Katina Pinkama Ceremony, a Bodhi Puja and all-night Pirith Chanting were also held on 29th October. Further, Katina Robe was brought to the Sudarshana Buddhist Centre in Kithulkote by a specially arranged vehicle from SLNS Kawantissa in Hambantota on the morning of 30th October. Next, Katina Robe was carried in a colourful procession, organised by the Southern Naval Command, to Rathana Sadaham Meditation Centre, and performed rituals. After the performance of rituals associated with the ceremony, Commander of the Navy and President of Navy Seva Vanitha Unit presided the meritorious acts of offering mid-day alms and Pirikara to 36 members of Maha Sangha.

Ven. Walasmulle Gunarathana Thero of Rathana Sadhaham Meditation Center has made a request to the President of Navy Seva Vanitha Unit regarding a Buddha statue for the worship of the devotees, who visit Ratana Sadhaham Meditation Center. Accordingly, a Buddha statue was provided by Kaduwela Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery to the Navy Seva Vanitha Unit on 12th October, to be placed at Rathana Sadhaham Meditation Center. The proceedings of the provision of this Buddha statue were coordinated through the mediation of the Sanghopasthayaka of Kaduwela Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery, Diyathalawe Nirodhananda Thero and approval of Ven. Aludeniya Subodhi Thero, the Chief Patron of Shraddha Media Network and Chief Incumbent of historic Seruwawila Mangala Rajamaha Viharaya. The Buddha statue was kept at the Navy House until 20th October, and carried to the Southern Naval Command, with pious sentiments. Subsequently, Commander of the Navy offered a Buddha statue, to be placed at the Rathana Sadaham Meditation Centre, Kithulkote on 30th October.

The Chief of Staff of the Navy, Rear Admiral Priyantha Perera, President of Naval Buddhist Association and Director General Engineering, Rear Admiral Ravi Ranasinghe, Commander Southern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Harindra Ekanayake, Director General Sri Lanka Coast Guard, Rear Admiral Pujitha Vithana, officers from the Navy Headquarters and Southern Naval Command, sailors and a group of devotees were also present on this occasion.