SLAF Seva Vanitha Unit celebrated International Women’s Day and 69th SLAF Anniversary with a Series of religious activities conducted at Anuradhapura. The series of events started with a “Aluth Sahal Mangalya” ceremony, which is an ancient ritual of offering the inaugural harvest to the triple gems, was held yesterday (7 March 2020) at the historical Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi premises under the auspices of the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sumangala Dias and the Chairperson of the SLAF Seva Vanitha Unit, Mrs. Mayuri Prabhavi Dias. This event was organized with the support of SLAF Station Morawewa.

Thereafter, a Kapruk Poojawa was conducted at the Ruwanwelisaya premises. The procession for the Kapruk Poojawa commenced from the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi premises and proceeded to the Ruwanwelisaya in a colourful procession made up of Dances and flower offerings. The Kapruk Poojawa was followed by a Dharma Sermon delivered by the Venerable Ruwanweli Maha Vihara Wasi Kudagala Wawe Gnanawimala Thero also at the Ruwanwelisaya premises. 

The Commander, Air Marshal Sumangala Dias also participated for a Tree Planting Ceremony organized by SLAF Base Anuradhapura which was held in close proximity to the Nuwara Wewa.

A Sego Rice Dansala was also organized by the SLAF Seva Vanitha Unit once again at the Ruwanwelisaya premises. This was organized in order to provide for those who come to Anuradhapura on pilgrimages. This Dansala was followed by a ‘Pahan Pooja’ and a Dharma Sermon delivered by Venerable Ruwanweli Maha Vihara Wasi Kudagala Wawe Gnanawimala Thero. During the Pahan Poojawa a quantity of 1000 oil lamps were lit symbolizing the 69th Anniversary of the Sri Lanka Air Force.

‘Chathu Madura’ is associated almost exclusively with Buddhism as one of the most eminent Poojas or offerings presented to the Buddha. For Buddhist monks, it is also one of the very few types of nourishment permitted all the times of the day. The Seva Vanitha Unit under the supervision of the Chairperson carried out a ‘Chathu Madura’ Poojawa at the Ruwanwelisaya premises for 35 Monks.


This morning (8 March 2020) an alms giving was organized for 75 ‘Bhikkunis’ at the Abhayagiriya Temple premises.