A three-month memorial almsgiving ceremony was held yesterday (27) at Pamunupura, Batamulla, in remembrance of those who lost their lives in the landslide that devastated over five kilometres of Nelummala village in the Minipe Divisional Secretariat Division of the Kandy District.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake participated in the ceremony, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).
The landslide, triggered by Cyclone Ditwah, claimed the lives of 31 individuals from 13 families in Nelummala village.
The almsgiving was conducted in honour of all those who perished in the disaster, with the participation of 70 members of the Maha Sangha. A Bodhi Pooja and a Pirith chanting ceremony had also been held the previous evening (26).
During the ceremony, the President joined in offering alms to the Maha Sangha and later engaged in a brief conversation with the relatives of the victims, conveying his deepest condolences, the PMD stated.
The event was attended by the Anunayake of the Asgiri Chapter of the Siyam Maha Nikaya, Venerable Narampanawa Ananda Anunayake Thero, members of the Maha Sangha representing the three Nikayas, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, public representatives of the area, Kandy District Secretary Indika Udawatta, government officials and residents.