11th July 2023 20:07:41 Hours
The restoration project of the ‘Deegawapiya’ Dagoba in Ampara, one of the sixteen most sacred places of worship in the Buddhist calendar reached a milestone on Monday (10 July) with the commencement of the auspicious 2nd phase of the restoration project upon completion of 69 feet in height under the 1st phase.
Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, General Kamal Gunaratne (Retd) WWV RWP RSP USP ndc psc MPhil, together with Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, Commander of the Army, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa RSP and two Bars, VSV, USP, MSc (MOA) USA, MSc (Def Stu) in Mgt, MA in IS&S (UK), BSc (Def Stu), MIM (SL), AMIE (SL), rcds, psc, Commander of the Air Force and a gathering of distinguished guests laid the cornerstones for the 2nd phase of restoration amid religious blessings.
Sri Lanka Army, Navy, Air Force and Civil Security Department members have been engaged in the restoration project of the Dagoba which is 268 feet in height since the restoration work began in 2020 in consultation and close contact with veteran archaeologists in the Department of Archaeology. ‘Deegawapiya Trust Fund’ provides resources for its renovation and restoration.
The day’s guests at first called on the incumbent of the temple Ven. Mahaoya Sobitha Thero and inquired about the well-being of the monks and the progress of the ongoing restoration project.
Moments later, the visitors inspected the ongoing construction work of the relic chamber, pilgrims’ rest and the residential quarters for monks (sanghawasa) before they joined inauguration of 2nd phase of the restoration project.
The Corps of Engineer Services and 8 Sri Lanka National Guard troops of the Sri Lanka Army have undertaken the overall construction, assisted by sister services and Civil Security Department personnel.
En route from Ampara, the visiting delegates called at Neelagiri Pagoda temple in Sengamuwa, Pottuvil and inquired about the ongoing construction work of the temple, carried out by airmen of the Sri Lanka Air Force.
Major General U.D Wijesekera RWP RSP USP rcds psc, Commander, Security Forces - East, Air Vice Marshal H.W.M.U Wijesinghe USP, BSc (Def Stu), C Eng, MIE (SL), MCPM, AUKAP (UK), Director General Construction Engineering of Sri Lanka Air Force, General Officers Commanding of 22, 23 and 24 Infantry Divisions, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Ampara, Senior Officers, Officers and Other Ranks were also associated with the day’s agenda.
