[2012-04-23
17:55:35]
Buddhist,
Hindu, Catholic and Islam religious leaders, military and Police
personnel, Civil Administrative Officials and members of Tamil
Buddhist Association of Jaffna gathered at the Dharmashala of
Jaffna Sri Naga Vihara to felicitate Ven. Atambagaskada Kalyanathissa
Thero who was conferred with honorary title of “Saddharma
Keerthi Sri Sumana Siddhartha” and appointed as the Upa
Pradhana Sangha Nayaka (Deputy Chief Incumbent of Northern
Province) recently.
The felicitation
ceremony was organized by the Headquarters Security Forces - Jaffna
(SF-J) on directives of Commander SF-J Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe
on Monday (23).
On arrival
in Sri Naga Vihara, Ven. Saddharma Keerthi Sri Sumana Siddhartha
Kalyanathissa Thero was received by the Commander SF-J. The main
ceremony commenced after observing Pan Sil by the gathering
followed by the welcome speech of Ven. Meegahajandure Siri Vimala
Thero of Sri Naga Vihara.
Maj.
Gen. Hathurusinghe addressing the gathering recollected his memories
with Ven. Kalyanathissa Thero who walked to soldiers in bunkers
to bless and encourage them during the peak of war even risking
his life. He further explained how the Ven. Kalyanathissa Thero
protected the war affected children keeping them in the temple
irrespective their ethnicity or religion like a father.
Dematamaluwe
Sumangala Thero of Kandy Malvaththe Maha Vihara, President of
Tamil Buddhist Association Mr. Ravi Kumar and Government Agent
Jaffna Mrs. Emelda Sukumar also delivered speeches appreciating
his service to the society as a religious leader.
SF-J Commander,
GA Jaffna, Mayoress Jaffna Mrs. Y. Pathgunarasa and many others
present on the occasion offered Pirikara to Ven. Kalyanathissa
Thero.
Nallai Adeenan
Rev. Srilasri Somasundara Deshika Paramacharya Swamihal, Vicar
General Jaffna Rev. Fr. Justin B. Gnanprasam Muslim Maulavis and
senior military officers were also present.
The programme
culminated with an alms giving to Bhikkus.
