COMMANDER of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, in response to a request extended to him by Diyawadana Nilame at Sri Dalada Maligawa, offered a gold plated new Ranveta (gold fence) to the lower chamber of the main shrine Friday (5) morning during a simple ceremony.

The gold fence, worth Rs 1.6 million was made a reality with the proceeds made available by the Buddhist Association in the Army, following instructions given by Commander of the Army in this connection.

The gift of this memorable fence of 5ft in height to this most sacred place in the hill capital was meant to transfer merits to all fallen War Heroes during humanitarian operations and invoke blessings on those recuperating after injuries and serving Army personnel.          

Lieutenant General Jayasuriya during a previous visit to this sacred site, immediately after Wanni humanitarian operations, expressed his willingness to donate something to the temple on behalf of the Army as required by temple authorities. Later on, Pradeep Nilanga Dela Bandara, Diyawadana Nilame has made the request to this effect to the Army Commander who accordingly referred the matter to the Buddhist Association in the Army and made it a reality.

The symbolic offering this morning (5) took place amidst Pirith chanting conducted by members of the Maha Sangha, present on the occasion. The simple religious ceremony was attended by Diyawadana Nilame, Pradeep Nilanga Dela Bandara, Brigadier Susil Udumalagala, Area Commander, Kandy, senior officers and devotees. Mrs. Manjulika Jayasuriya, President Seva Vanitha Army Branch was also associated with the ceremony.