The High Commission of India and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Colombo joined hands with the Sri Lankan Armed Forces to celebrate the ‘7th International Yoga Day’ on Monday at a special Yoga session, organised on Zoom.
Defence Secretary General (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne was the Chief Guest. Chief of Defence Staff and Army Commander General Shavendra Silva and about 500 defence personnel from 150 defence establishments across Sri Lanka including the Kotelawala Defence University, Training Schools, Defence Academies and ships participated.
Chief Priest and Director of the Param Dhamma Chetiya Pirivena in Ratmalana Most Ven. Dr Maitape Wimalasera Thera invoked the blessings of the Triple Gem for the overall wellbeing of everyone. The messages of Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa were shared with the participants.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted the relevance of this year’s theme of Yoga Day, ‘Yoga for Wellness’ in the COVID-19 situation. He underscored that with its inherent power to connect, Yoga is good for community, immunity and unity.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa mentioned that Yoga is a precious, beautiful gift from the treasures of spiritual traditions and practices of Indian sages over millennia and it has touched the lives of generations of people all over the world.
The High Commissioner called on everyone to embrace Yoga as a 'Way of Life' to improve flexibility and mindfulness and thanked everyone for joining the High Commission for commemorating the day.
Due to COVID-19 travel restrictions this year, all events to mark the International Day of Yoga are being held in the virtual mode.