Ministry of Defence  – Media Centre

• The convoy carrying treasures leaves Colombo on July 5.

All arrangements are in place for the ceremony of the enshrinement of the sacred Omniscient Relics and treasures in the hemispherical dome of the historic Deegawapi Stupa on July 14. This event is part of the reconstruction process to restore the former glory of Deegawapi Stupa, which was damaged due to various invasions.

In conjunction with the enshrinement ceremony, the newly constructed Shrine Room, දාන ශාලාව (alms offering hall) and the Most Venerable Daranagama Kusaladhamma Memorial Pilgrims Rest which facilitates visiting devotees, will also be opened on this day.

With the aim of invoking blessings on all the citizens of the country, a week-long pirith chanting will also be held from July 7 to 14 at the Deegawapiya premises. The Stupa is being reconstructed under the supervision and guidance of the Defence Secretary and Author of the Deegawapiya Aruna Trust and First Trustee, General Kamal Gunaratne, with labour support and financial contributions from the members of the Tri Forces and Civil Security Department and the devotees.

The convoy, including vehicles carrying the sacred treasures and the caskets to be enshrined in the Deegawapi Stupa and the Neelgiri Stupa, is scheduled to depart from Colombo 07, Sri Sambodhi Viharaya, on the morning of July 05 and will reach Malsiripura Siri Sugathapalarama Piriven Temple on that day evening travelling via Kiribathgoda, Ambepussa and Kurunegala. It will reach Girithale Sri Isurusumana Vihara on July 06 evening travelling via Galewela, Dambulla and Minneriya. On July 07, the convoy will travel via Polonnaruwa, Dehiattakandiya and Giradurukotte, reaching Mahiyangana Rajamaha Vihara and on July 08, it will reach Deegawapi Rajamaha Vihara via Padiyathalawa, Mahaoya and Ampara. Arrangements have also been made for devotees in all major cities along this route to pay homage to the sacred treasures.

Hon. Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Minister of Buddhashasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Hon. Vidura Wickramanayake, State Minister of  Defence Hon. Premitha Bandara Tennakoon, Governor of Eastern Province Hon. Senthil Thondaman,  Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Staff to the President Mr. Sagala Ratnayake, senior military officers including Tri Forces Commanders, government officials as well as thousands of devotees are expected to participate in the event graced by the President Ranil Wickramasinghe as the Chief Guest.

Deegawapiya, a place visited by Lord Buddha is regarded as one of the sacred ancient religious sites among the sixteen places of worship of Buddhists.

Arrangements have also been made for devotees  to contribute to this noble cause by obtaining Sacred treasures at  Sri Sambodhi Viharaya, Colombo 7   where  ‘ the Buddhist Channel’, the  main media sponsor for the noble cause,  is located,  at Ampara Deegawapi Rajamaha Vihara and at Malsiripura Na Uyana Aranya Senasanaya.

The restoration work of the Deegawapiya Stupa is funded by the ‘Deegawapiya Aruna’ Fund which is generously supported by philanthropists and devotees who are eager to witness the former glory of Deegawapiya Stupa. Generous donations of the devotees can also be credited to the ‘Deegawapiya Aruna’ account at Bank of Ceylon, Taprobane Branch as mentioned below:

Account No   :           86860000

Bank Code     :           7010

Branch Code :           747

Shift Code    :            BCEYLKLX

All Buddhists in the country and around the world are invited to participate in the treasures enshrinement ceremony at the Deegawapi sacred site and contribute to restoring the former glory of Deegawapiya.