‘Sarvagna Dathu’ Relics brought in procession to the Naval Headquarters
 

The ‘Sarvagna Dathu’ Relics’ brought in possession from the premises of the Sandagiri Maha Seya in Tissamaharama via sea on-board SLNS Sayura, reached their initial destination, the Naval Headquarters by 0900 hrs today (5). The arrangements were also made ready for the naval personnel to pay homage to the sacred relics kept on a special rostrum at the headquarters premises, until 1500 hrs today. The Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne also paid homage to the sacred ‘Sarvagna Dathu’ Relics’ this evening.

Upon setting sails at 1700 hrs from the Hambantota harbour SLNS Sayura arrived at the Port of Colombo this morning at 0800 hrs, after a sea passage of 14 hours and 140 Nm. Thereupon, the Commanding Officer of SLNS Sayura, Captain ASL Gamage handed over the casket of ‘Sarvagna Dathu’ Relics to the Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Niraja Attygalle at the Colombo Jetty premises. Subsequently, the casket was brought in a special vehicle fleet to the Naval Headquarters and it was respectfully placed on the dedicated rostrum arranged at the headquarters premises under the auspices of Director General Administration, Commodore Muditha Gamage. On completion of the religious observances, held this evening the sacred casket was proceeded under the patronage of the Commander of the Navy, to its next destination, the Gangarama Temple Hunupitiya in a fleet of vehicle.

In parallel with the UN International Vesak Festival 2017, the Sri Lanka Navy has organized a wide range of religious events such as; bringing the sacred ‘Sarvagna Dathu’ Relics’ by SLNS Sayura, displaying them at the Naval Headquarters, a competition of Vesak lanterns, a procession comprising cultural events and a ‘dansal’ of chick-pea.

Under the able guidance of the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne, the sacred ‘Sarvagna Dathu’ Relics were brought in procession to be exhibited at the Vesak Zone organized in coordination with Sirasa Media Network. The events have been organized to celebrate the UN International Vesak Festival 2017 commemorating the most sacred birth, enlightenment and passing away of Lord Buddha.