New Constructions Erected by Army Troops Opened in Bingiriya National Vesak Zone

The formal declaration of the National Vesak Festival – 2018 took place at the designated Bingiriya Devagiri Raja Maha Viharaya premises on Saturday (28) under the aegis of HE the President Maithripala Sirisena during a glittering ceremony at Bingiriya.

The national event coincided with the construction of a new Dharmashala (preaching hall) and all other renovation work, carried out by Sri Lanka Army troops of the Security Force Headquarters – West (SFHQ-West) and Corps of Engineer Services (CES).

Soon after, the government decided to commemorate the 2018 National Vesak Festival in Bingiriya, Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake, Commander of the Army extended his full support for its successful implementation in close coordination with Ministry of Buddhashasana and all other stakeholders. Accordingly, Army troops showing their professional engineering skills undertook the challenge of constructing a complete new Dharmashala that could accommodate more than 1000 devotees. The construction is 142 ft long and 68 ft wide.

Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake, Commander of the Army recently conducted an inspection tour to the construction site at Bingiriya and closely reviewed the progress of the project, together with officers and all engineering troops, engaged in it.

The incumbent, Ven Mallagane Aththadassi Nayake Thero, the adviser to the construction project personally intervened and wanted the Army Engineers to take over the construction as the monk was fully confident of expertise of Army personnel. Accordingly, 143 Brigade troops under the 14 Division of the SFHQ-West undertook the responsibility of constructing this huge lecture hall on time before the Vesak festival.

HE the President at the auspicious minute on Saturday (28) unveiled the plaque while simultaneously declaring the onset of the year’s National Vesak Festival.

1 Corps of Engineer Services (CES) troops, together with the support of Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment (VIR) and Sri Lanka National Guard (SLNG) troops actively participated in the construction of the new Dharmashalawa and the other renovation works.

Kurunegala district-based Bingiriya Devagiri Raja Maha Viharaya in the North Western Province is one of the most ancient temples in Sri Lanka and its history dates back to about 3rd Century BC.

Brigadier Palitha Perera, 143 Brigade Commander was behind the realization of the project under the supervision of Major General Sathyapriya Liyanage, Commander, Security Forces – West.

In addition, 143 Brigade troops facilitated all arrangements of the Bingiriya Vesak Zone and to make the ground arrangements.

Tri Nikayas Maha Sangha, Minister of Buddha Sasana, other ministers, tri service senior Officers and Buddhists devotees were present at this religious ceremony.

(Photo Courtesy : President Media)