Flag Blessing and Kanchuka Puja seek blessings on 75th anniversary of Sri Lanka Navy

Demonstrating its deep reverence, the Sri Lanka Navy held the Naval Flag Blessing Ceremony and Kanchuka Puja under the patronage of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, along with the attendance of the President of Navy Seva Vanitha Unit, Mrs. Anusha Banagoda on 30 and 31 October 25.

In the evening of 30 October, the Commander of the Navy initiated the ceremonies, after paying his obeisance to Rajakeeya Panditha Ven. Kudagala Ganawimala Thera of Ruwanweliseya. Subsequently, the Kanchuka Puja ceremony took place at the Ruwanweliseya, where the Commander of the Navy flanked by senior officers and members of the Naval Buddhist Association, expressing their spiritual reverence, adorned the pagoda with a Buddhist Flag which was brought to the premises by a colourful procession. The ceremony concluded with the Venerable Maha Sangha performing religious rites to bless the Sri Lanka Navy’s upcoming anniversary as well as Commander of the Navy and naval personnel.

In the morning of 31 October, a vibrant procession accompanied the naval flags to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, where blessings were sought. At the invitation of Commander of the Navy, members of Venerable Maha Sangha led by the Atamasthanadhipathi Most Venerable Pallegama Hemarathana Thera, transferred merits on fallen naval war veterans and invoked blessings on missing and disabled naval heroes who ensured the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the motherland. They also invoked blessings upon the Commander of the Navy, all naval personnel, and their families for success in their future endeavours.

The Chief of Staff of the Navy, Deputy Chief of Staff, President of Naval Buddhist Association & members of the Navy’s Board of Management, Commander North Central Naval Area & Area Commanders, Director General Sri Lanka Coast Guard, executive committee members of the Navy Seva Vanitha Unit, flag-ranking officers, officers and sailors were also present on these events.