Wattarama New ‘Dharmashala’ Erected in Less Than 6 Months

Army troops of the 583 Brigade Headquarters of the 58 Division of the Security Force Headquarters - West (SFHQ-West), in what could be interpreted as a truly remarkable achievement on the part of the workforce, completed the construction of the new state-of-the-art ‘Dharmashala’ (preaching hall) at Wattarama Sri Arahatta Maliyadewa Raja Maha Viharaya within a span of less than six months before the National Vesak festival got underway.

The Wattarama Sri Arahatta Maliyadewa Raja Maha Viharaya where the last Arahanth resided was selected by the government as the epicentre of the National Vesak festival - 2017 and the government launched a series of mega development and renovation projects in the premises in coordination with state agencies before the National Vesak commemoration started.

The incumbent, Ven Pannala Sumedha Nayake Thero who was assured of the entire cost of raw-materials for construction of the proposed new Dharmashalawa in the temple premises by the government to coincide with the national event afterwards requested the Commander of the Army to get the new building erected by Army Engineer troops.

Accordingly, 583 Brigade troops under the 58 Division of the SFHQ-West undertook the responsibility of constructing this huge hall on 16 November 2016 in the premises after cutting first sods and foundations.

Major General Sudantha Ranasinghe, Commander, Security Forces - West, Major General A.W.M.A.W.N Ranawana, General Officer Commanding, 58 Division, Brigadier A.N Amarasekara, Brigade Commander, 583 Brigade and several officers were keen on completing the project on time and opening it as scheduled on 5 May 2017. They made several inspection tours to the construction site and reviewed the progress from time to time.

The Rs 50 million worth eco-friendly new Dharmashalawa with an attractive porch at the entrance is 150 ft long and 50 ft wide and can accommodate 2000 devotees at a time.

1 and 9 Corps of Engineer Services (CES) troops, together with the support of 8 Gemunu Watch (GW) and 6 (V) CES troops actively participated in the construction of the new Dharmashalawa.