Aranthalawa massacre victims commemorated

By Wasantha Chandrapala   

 The cold blooded massacre of 32 Buddhist monks at  Aranthalawa by the LTTE terrorists on June 02, 1987 was commemorated  yesterday at the Aranthalawa International Buddhist Centre with Chief  Incumbent of the Mahavapi Maha Vihara in Ampara and Head of the Buddhist  Centre Ven. Kirindiwela Somarathne Thera as the chief guest.   

The ceremony commenced with paying floral tributes to the  statue of Ven. Hegoda Sri Indrasara Thera and the Sri Lanka Navy  commissioning the water treatment unit in the Buddhist Centre.   

 The Navy offered alms to 100 Buddhist monks in commemoration of the victims of the massacre.   
 Ampara Government Agent J.M.A .Douglas, Eastern Province  Commander of the Army Maj.Gen. Priyantha Jayawardene. Brigade Commander  of the 24 Brigade Maj.Gen. Saliya Amunugama, South –East Commandant of  the Navy Rear Admiral M.S.K.R. Mahawatta, Director of the Polonnaruwa  General Hospital Dr. Upul. Ampara SP Priyadarshana Herath and Chairman  of Mahoya Pradeshiya Sabha Indika Nilantha Gunawardene were present at  the occasion.