12 Division Erected Temple 'Dagoba' Opened in Grand Ceremony

The towering and attractive Dagoba (Pagoda), erected by 12 Division troops in Hambantota at Tissapura Sri Sumedharama Viharaya during a record short period was unveiled on Saturday (15) at the auspicious hour after placing sacred relics and a valuable pinnacle (Kotha) atop it.

12 Division troops undertook the responsibility of erecting this structure, a long-felt monument of veneration in this temple premises, quite close to the 12 Division Headquarters under the auspices of Ven Panamure Sunanda Nayaka Thero, Incumbent of the Temple.

Brigadier Nandana Senadheera, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 12 Division who took the initiative in this connection mustered the support of donors and other devotees for its construction without the support of any of the architects or draftsmen in the civil sector.

Mr and Mrs Sinha Chandratillake Dissanayake of Nilhara Ref and Electricals (Pvt) Ltd has offered sponsorship for its construction as a tribute to the memory of all War Heroes who salvaged the country from the cycle of terrorism that affected the country for more than 30 years.

During the unveiling ceremony, a new pathway to the temple premises, prepared by the troops was also declared open by Mrs Rekha Senadheera, the spouse of the GOC around the same time.

A colourful Perahera commenced from the 12 Division Headquarters premises carried the relics and the pinnacle for placement in the Dagoba. Thalangama Lions’ Club has offered its sponsorship for construction of the Bodhiprakaraya (boundary fence) and the new Sanghawasa (resident monastery) of the temple.

A large gathering of leading Buddhist monks in the area, sponsors, members of the Lions’ Club and devotees took part in the arrangements.