President Lays Ground Level Foundation Stone for First Monumental 'Sanda Hiru Seya' at Anuradhapura

President Mahinda Rajapaksa who is also the Commander-in -Chief of the Armed Forces, hours before the National Independence Day celebrations at Anuradhapura on Saturday (4), immortalized the memory of all fallen War Heroes by laying the ground level foundation stone for the maiden 'Sanda Hiru Seya' Stupa (pagoda), being erected as a tribute and appreciation of their invaluable contribution to the Nation.

The Stupa to be completed, opposite the Anuradhapura Sri Sarananda Pirivena premises with 30 million bricks and 40,000 cement bags is the first among nine such Stupas to come up in all the nine provinces, giving due recognition to the memory of those War Heroes who defended the country from threat of separation, sacrificing their precious lives for the sake of our future generation.

The conceptual notion, mooted by Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Secretary Defence and Urban Development initiated its earth digging work and traditional rites and rituals several months ago for underground layer construction which is about 40-50 ft deep. Members of the Maha Sangha at the invitation of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) took part in that simple ceremony last year.

On Friday (3), President Rajapaksa, accompanied by Commander of the Army, Commander of the Navy, Commander of the Air Force, Inspector General of the Police, Director General Civil Defence Forces and other invitees laid the cornerstone for its construction amidst Seth Pirith chanting at the auspicious minute. Tri service Commanders followed suit and placed corner stones, recalling the memories of their fallen War Heroes during humanitarian operations.

A brief ceremony highlighted the importance of the project as a monumental replica.

First Lady Mrs Shiranthi Rajapaksa was also associated with the occasion. President Rajapaksa, Secretary to the President Mr Lalith Weeratunge and Commander of the Army planted saplings in the construction site as symbols of the memory.

A cow to be reared in the premises was also delivered to the worksite at the same occasion.