At the entrance to the shrine, the chieftain (Diyawadana Nilame) of the temple, Mr Nilanga Dela Bandara offering a tray of jasmine flowers to the Commander of the Army welcomed him to the location before he was ushered to the main chamber for religious observances. The offering of ‘Gilanpasa’ and other offerings followed the blessings of the Maha Sangha at the location. Soon after a brief interaction with members of the Sangha present there, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage had a brief exchange of views at the Diyawadana Nilame's office. Before his exit from the premises, both of them exchanged mementos.

As has been the practice after appointment of a new Commander of the Army, the Commander and his family members afterwards called on the Mahanayake Thero of Malwatte Chapter, Most Ven Thibbotuwawe Sri Sumangala Mahanayaka Thero at the Malwatte monastery where the prelate invoked blessings on the new appointment and wished the new Commander have strength to protect the country in the future and continue the Army’s good work.

Afterwards, the new Commander paid obeisance to the Mahanayake Thero of Asgiriya Chapter and offered Pirikara to him. During the interaction, Most Ven Warakagoda Sri Gnanaratana Mahanayaka Thero expressed his happiness at the appointment of Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage and urged the Commander to carry on with ongoing development roles of the Army for the benefit of all Sri Lankans.

Mrs Janaki Liyanage, family members, Major General Chandana Wickremasinghe, Military Secretary, Major General Kalpa Sanjeewa, General Officer Commanding, 11 Division and several Senior Officers were associated with the day’s itinerary.

In response to media queries, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage said that all efforts would be made by the Army to cultivate all abandoned state lands in an attempt to meet with food shortage challenges.
SL Army