Ministry of Defence and Urban Development, initiated 'Weras Ganga Development Project's' Bellanwila-Boralesgamuwa section, adjacent to both Bellanwila Raja Maha Viharaya and Pillewe Temple premises was declared open on Tuesday (9) evening by HE the President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the invitation of Mr Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Secretary to Ministry of Defence and Urban Development, the pioneering architect behind many Colombo beautification projects.
The ceremonial proceedings got underway soon after HE the President unveiled the plaque that was erected as members of the Maha Sangha, headed by Ven Dr Ittepane Dhammalankara, acting Maha Nayake Thero of the Kotte Sri Kalyani Samagri Dharma Maha Sangha Sabha, Ven Prof Bellanwila Wimalaratana, Anu Nayake Thera of Bellanwila Raja Maha Viharaya. President afterwards was shown different food courts inside by Mr Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
Navy and Army troops saw the successful completion of the project in less than seven months, adding a new chapter to the historic area.
The day's Chief Guest, HE the President aboard a special vehicle afterwards arrived on the pathway, flanked by a host of Ministers, before the President, witnessed a colourful cultural feature that added a special flavour to the occasion with Jackson Anthony, recalling a bit of the historical chronicles as regards the reign of the king, Prakrama Bahu the 6th during Kotte period. President offered a tray of flowers to the newly established Samadhi statue near the Pillewe Temple while being taken round walkways.
A brief oration of Ven Prof Bellanwila Wimalaratana Thero on the occasion recalled the sourroundings that prevailed at the time with public throwing garbage along sideways and polluting the premises, causing environmental damages.
A mammoth musical show that ran into late night with Seeduwe Sakura brought the curtains down on the ceremony. A huge gathering of Ministers, Governors, Deputy Ministers, Members of Parliament, Provincial Councillors, Mayors, Tri Service Senior Officers and civilians were present.
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(Photo courtesy: www.ada.lk)
