The new Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Damian Fernando, visited the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and the Ruwanweli Maha Seya in Anuradhapura on Sunday (July 12) to receive religious blessings.
During the visit, the Navy Commander offered prayers seeking blessings for the country’s peace, national security and the well-being of its people. Prior to the religious observances, he called on the Acting Chief Incumbent of the Atamasthana, Venerable Ethalawetunuwewe Gnanathilaka Thero, and received his blessings. He was accompanied by a group of senior Sri Lanka Navy officers.
Such visits to the ancient Buddhist sites in Anuradhapura are a customary act for newly appointed service commanders taking up their duties.
The appointment comes at a turbulent moment for the naval establishment. Former Navy Commander Wasantha Karannagoda was arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) earlier this month, a case that has kept the service in the national spotlight.
