Header

Sri Lanka Army

Defender of the Nation

President Enshrines Treasure in 'Sanda Hiru Seya' &;amp; Opens New Army-built Monastery at Anuradhapura


Enshrinement of treasure in the base ring of the 'Sandahiru Maha Seya' (Triumphant Pagoda), under construction at Anuradhapura and ceremonial opening of the new two-storied 'Sanghawasa' (monastery), built by the Army, adjacent to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya temple premises, took place on Saturday (23) during two separate simple ceremonies, headed by HE the President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Followed by an all-night Pirith Chanting ceremony, the enshrinement of treasure in the lower base ring of the pagoda, a monumental tribute to all War Heroes who made the supreme sacrifice during the fight against terrorism, occurred in accordance with ancient traditions and age-old rites and rituals. Nine such pagodas are to come up in all the nine provinces as a tribute to those fallen War Heroes.
 
President Rajapaksa soon after Ven Pallegama Sirinivasabhidhana Nayake Thera, Chief Incumbent for Eight Sacred places in Anuradhapura (Atamasthanadhipati) placed treasure, followed suit and paid his obeisance to the religious monument.

A large gathering including Ministers, Governor for North Central Province, Assistant Secretary for Ministry of Defence, Commander of the Army, Military Liaison Officer at Ministry of Defence took part in the event.
             
A few minutes later, at the invitation of the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake, President Mahinda Rajapaksa unveiled a plaque and ceremonially opened the new monastery at Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya premises, built by the Army at a cost of Rs 26.8 million.

The entire cost was borne by the Army and its construction was carried out purely by Engineer Service Regiment (ESR) personnel with outside consultations.

During the President's stay there, he attended religious observances and shared views with members of the Maha Sangha.