Under the guidance and directives of the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, the main Pirith Chanting Ceremony took place at the newly opened Air Force Headquarters, Defence Headquarters Complex yesterday(01  January  2024). The ceremony aimed to invoke blessings upon all personnel of the Air Force, their families, fallen air warriors and the entire nation.

Prior to the commencement of the ceremony, the 'Reliquary' (Karaduwa) was brought to the Air Force Headquarters in a colorful procession and was placed in the 'Pirith Mandapaya' by the Commander of the Air Force. The Pirith Chanting was presided over by Venerable Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thero, the Deputy Incumbent of the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo.

Following the ceremony, an almsgiving was organized for the Venerable Maha Sangha today morning (02 January 2024). The event was headed by the Chief Prelate of Kotte Sri Kalayani Samagri Dharma Maha Sangha Sabha of Siyam Maha Nikaya and Chancellor University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Ven. Dr. Ittapana Dhammalankara Anu Nayake Maha Thero.

Many dignitaries attended the all-night Pirith Chanting Ceremony, including the Acting Inspector General of Police, Vice Chancellor of Kotelawala Defence University, Director General of the Department of Civil Security, Former Commanders, Commandants of National Defence College and Defence Services Command and Staff College, Chiefs of Staff of Army and Navy, State Officials from the Presidential Secretariat and Ministry of Defence, Members from the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff and Retired Director Generals of SLAF.

Additionally, Chief of Staff of the SLAF, Members of the Air Force Board of Management, Commandant, Base Commanders, Commanding Officers, officers, and all other ranks attended both the Pirith Chanting and Almsgiving ceremonies.