21st March 2024 18:04:35 Hours
An inspection visit was conducted by the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, General Kamal Gunaratne (Rtd) WWV RWP RSP USP ndc psc MPhil, together with Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, the Commander of the Army, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa RSP VSV USP rcds psc, the Commander of the Air Force and a gathering of distinguished guests on 20 March 2024. The purpose of the visit was to inspect the ongoing 'Deegawapiya' restoration project.
The day began with the guests visiting the incumbent of the temple, Ven. Mahaoya Sobitha Thero, to inquire about the wellbeing of the monks and the progress of the restoration project. Following this, they inspected the construction work of the relic chamber, pilgrims' rest, and the residential quarters for monks (sanghawasa). They also took the opportunity to speak with officials from the Department of Archaeology who were conducting excavations in the area.
During their journey 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 M.K.U.P. Gunaratne RSP ndu psc IG, Commander, Security Forces - East, Rear Admiral H.H.M.P. De Silva USP, Commander South Eastern Naval Area and a gathering of Senior Officers, Officers and Other Ranks took part in the visit.
