By K.D. Devapriya   

A religious programme to mark the 72nd anniversary of the Sri Lanka army was held in Kataragama with the distinguished participation of Army Commander Gen. Shavendra Silva.  

It commenced with a Kap Ruk Pooja and Buddha Pooja at the Kirivehera temple to commemorate the army personnel who laid down their lives in action and to bless the personnel in all brigades and regiments and the flags.  

Chief Sanghanayake of the Ruhunu Magampattu and Chief Incumbent of the Kirivehera Rajamaha Vihara Ven Kobawaka Dhamminda Thera officiated the religious programme.  

Later, the army commander and several senior officials attended a Pooja at the Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devala, he made cash donations to the Kirivehera Development Fund and for the development activities of the Kataragama Maha Devalaya.  

He told the media that he was pleased to find the people adhering to the health precautions after opening the country and lifting the curfew. He said he was hopeful that several health guidelines could be introduced after October 15 and that the government would provide the opportunity for the people to attend religious activities freely at the places of religious observances depending on their response to the health guidelines. 

• The army commander and several senior officials attended a Pooja at the Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devala, he made cash donations to the Kirivehera Development Fund and for the development activities of the Kataragama Maha Devalaya