Under the guidance and directives of the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, the main Pirith Chanting Ceremony took place at the newly opened Air Force Headquarters, Defence Headquarters Complex yesterday (01 January 2026). 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 held with the participation of Venerable Gataberikande Rathanasiri Thero, who graciously attended at the invitation of Venerable Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple, along with, the Chief Incumbent of the Sri Jayathilakaramaya Temple, Peliyagoda, Venerable Lihiniyarama Dhammarathana Thero. 

Following the ceremony, an almsgiving was organized for the Venerable Maha Sangha today morning (02 January 2026). The event was headed by the Anunayaka Sri Ramanna Chapter, Vnerable Dr. Waleboda Gunasiri Thero.

The Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, Members of the Air Force Board of Management, officers, all other ranks and civil staff attended both the Pirith Chanting and Almsgiving ceremonies.