A section of officers and soldiers, attached to the Army Buddhist Association with the coordination of the Seva Vanitha Army Branch (SVAB), paid homage to the memory of Arhat Mihindu Thero and his arrival in Sri Lanka on Poson Full Moon Poya Day during a colourful Bhakthi Gee (devotional songs) concert, held on Friday (15) evening at the Defence Services School auditorium.   

Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander of the Army graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, together with Mrs Manjulika Jayasuriya, President, Seva Vanitha Army Branch. Both of them were welcomed by Major General D.R.A.B Jayatillake, Chairman, Army Buddhist Association on arrival at the school premises for the Poson concert.

The spectacle, a tribute to the historic Mahindagamana phenomenon that transformed the Sri Lankan social and cultural fabric, consisted of several features presented by members of the Viru Daru societies, Army cultural troupe and the Army band. A separate drama feature with the participation of about 25-30 Viru Daru members drew the popular attention of the spectators.

Devotional songs, most of which are novel in lyrics and melody had been composed by members of the Army themselves, serving the Army band and the cultural troupe. Several popular vocalists, like Mrs Sujatha Attanayake, Ishaq Beg, Dayan Vitarana, T.M Jayaratne, Amarasiri Peiris, Edward Jayakody, Charita Priyadharshani, Deepika Priyadharshani Peiris, added their voice voluntarily to the concert at the invitation of the Army.

The Army Poson Bhakthi Gee recital, an annual feature in the organization is organized by the Army Buddhist Association, chaired by Major General D.R.A.B Jayatillake and other senior officers including the association’s Secretary, Brigadier A.V Rupasinghe.

A large number of senior Army officers, Defence Services School authorities, ladies of the SVAB, Viru Daru society members and invitees witnessed the spectacle.

All those who took part in the concert were awarded mementos.