08th March 2022 15:00:57 Hours
The religious ceremony to place eight golden caskets containing sacred relics at octagonal corners of the historic Deegawapiya Raja Maha Viharaya in Ampara got underway today (6) in the presence of a gathering of prelates and distinguished participants, including General Kamal Gunarathna (retd), Secretary Defence, Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army, General Shavendra Silva, Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne, Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana.
The crest gem of the Stupa and those golden caskets containing relics were brought down in a vehicle procession to Deegawapiya temple under renovation to coincide with the 4th death anniversary of late Ven Daranagama Kusaladhamma Nayake Thera, former Incumbent at Sambodhi Viharaya and founder of the 'Bauddaya' TV channel.
The restoration of the Maha Stupa under the 'Archaeological Heritage Management Presidential Task Force' (PTF) in the East is spearheaded under the guidance of the Maha Sangha and the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force, General Kamal Gunarathna (retd), Secretary Defence on the directives given by HE the President.
Ven Bodagama Chandawimala Thero, Chief Sangha Nayake of Taiwan, Ven Medagoda Abhayathissa Nayake Thera and a host of Buddhist monks performed religious rites and rituals and several monks delivered orations.
