Ministry of Defence  – Media Centre

General Kamal Gunaratne, the Defence Secretary as the Author of the Deegawapiya Aruna Trust and First Trustee, presided over a press briefing at Sri Sambodhi Viharaya, Colombo yesterday (June 11), on the enshrining ceremony of the Sacred Relics and Treasures in the hemispherical dome of the ‘Deegawapiya Stupa’ as well as the opening of the newly constructed Shrine Hall, Pilgrims Rest and Alms Hall on July 14.

The restoration work of the Deegawapiya Stupa, which is considered one of the sixteen sacred sites, commenced in view of revisiting the former glory of Deegawapiya, under the supervision and guidance of Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne, is still underway with the labour support and financial contributions of the Tri Forces, Civil Security Department (CSD) and the devotees.

All arrangements have already been made for the opening of the newly constructed Shrine Hall, Venerable Daranagama Kusaladhamma Memorial Pilgrims Rest’ which consists of 20 rooms with 04 spacious halls and the Alms Hall in line with the Sacred Relics and Treasures enshrining ceremony on July 14.

The Buddhist TV channel has extended great support in financing the construction work of Deegawapiya Stupa. On this occasion, the Director of Finance and Administration of the Buddhist TV channel Mahesh De Alwis, symbolically handed over a cheque of an additional 25 million rupees to the Defence Secretary with a view of sponsoring further future restoration work.

As the construction work of the hemispherical dome of ‘Deegawapiya Stupa’ has almost been completed, the Buddha statues and relic caskets to be enshrined in the Stupa on July 14, symbolically handed over to the philanthropists Mr Jayantha Ratnapriya and Mrs Padmini Gamage who were present with their families.

The Chief Prelate of Deegawapiya Raja Maha Viharaya Ven. Mahaoya Sobhitha Thero, the Chief Prelate of Sri Sambodhi Viharaya Colombo Ven. Boralande Wajiragnana Thero, Director of Archeology Department (Architecture Conservation) Prasanna B Ratnayake, Director – Media and Media Spokesman of the Ministry of Defence Colonel Nalin Herath, representatives of Media and devotees were also present at the occasion.