BLESSINGS INVOKED ON NAVY FLAGS

Blessings were invoked on naval flags at a ceremony held at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura, under the patronage of Navy Commander Vice Admiral Sirimevan Ranasinghe, on December 2 and 3. The ceremony was organized as part of a series of celebratory events being held to mark the 68th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Navy. Navy Seva Vanitha Unit President Sandya Ranasinghe was also present. The symbolic ceremony of blessing the flags of the Navy was held for the 7th consecutive year. The religious observances were led by the Atamasthanadhipathi and Chief Sanghanayaka of the North Central Province, the most Ven. Dr. Pallegama Sirinivasa Nayaka Thera and the Maha Sangha. Seventy seven flags including the National Flag, the Buddhist Flag, Naval Ensign and flags of naval commands, establishments, ships and craft were blessed after being laid at the foot of the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi. Navy Chief of Staff Rear Admiral Piyal De Silva, NorthCentral Naval Area Commander Rear Admiral Muditha Gamage, Commanders of other naval areas, Director Generals of the Navy, senior naval officers attached to the Naval Headquarters and the North-central Naval Command, sailors and a large number of devotees attended this annual event. A ‘Kapruk Pooja Pinkama’ organized by the Sri Lanka Navy Buddhist Association was also held at the Ruwanweliseya on the sidelines of the flag-blessing ceremony.