To mark the dawn of the new year, the Kothmale West
Divisional Secretariat organized a solemn and meritorious almsgiving
ceremony for the venerable Maha Sangha on January 1, 2026.
The event was held at the Secretariat premises with a
profound dual purpose: to transfer spiritual merits to the fellow citizens who
tragically lost their lives during the devastating Cyclone Ditva that
struck Sri Lanka in the latter part of 2025, and to invoke divine blessings of
health, protection, and prosperity for the entire nation in the year 2026.
Remembering the Victims of Cyclone Ditva
The end of 2025 brought immense challenges to Sri Lanka as
Cyclone Ditva caused widespread disruption and claimed precious lives across
multiple regions. As public servants deeply connected to community welfare, the
staff of the Kothmale West Divisional Secretariat felt it was an institutional
and moral duty to begin the new year by honoring the memory of those departed.
During the religious proceedings, special prayers and the
traditional pouring of water (Pānadhāna) were offered to transfer merits
to the victims, comforting grieving families through collective spiritual
solidarity.
Invoking Blessings for a Prosperous 2026
Following the almsgiving, the venerable monks performed
traditional chanting of Seth Pirith to bless the Divisional Secretary,
the institutional officers, field staff, and the entire community of Kothmale
West.
The spiritual leaders delivered a timely sermon emphasizing:
- The
importance of resilience and unity when overcoming natural
disasters.
- Cultivating
compassion and empathy within public service to better uplift
vulnerable communities.
- Fostering
a harmonious environment where spiritual values guide daily
administrative duties.
Beginning the Year with Spiritual Grounding
By starting the administrative calendar with an act of deep
spiritual significance, the Kothmale West Divisional Secretariat reinforces its
commitment to community, compassion, and cultural values. This sacred beginning
serves as a source of mental strength and unity for our officers as they step
forward to serve the public in 2026.
"May the merits of this wild almsgiving bring peace to
the departed souls of Cyclone Ditva, and may the blessings of the Triple Gem
guide our institution and our nation toward a safe, stable, and prosperous new
year."
