15th May 2023 18:31:56 Hours
573 Infantry Brigade troops of the 57 Infantry Division of the Security Force HQ-Mullaittivu, together with 9 Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment (9 VIR) troops renovated and painted the pagoda, shrine (Budu Madura), perimeter wall (Walakulu Bemma), and the temple bell tower (Ghantara Kuluna) at Sri Sugatha Viharaya in Mankulam and opened them up on Vesak Full Moon Poya day (May 05) for the devotees.
The project was initiated by Major General J.P.C Peiris RWP RSP, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 57 Infantry Division and was carried out under the supervision of Brigadier S.W.R Prasanna RWP RSP USP, Commander, 573 Infantry Brigade and Lieutenant Colonel P.G. J Sooriyasena, Commanding Officer of 9 VIR.
The required financial assistance of Rs. 300,000.00 was jointly contributed by a group of philanthropists, including Mr R.M Ravishantha, Mr Manoj Chandima Wimalanath and Mr Chandrashan Fernando at the request of the 57 Infantry Division troops.
The re-opening ceremony of those structures was graced by Major General R.M.M Ranasinghe WWV RWP RSP, GOC of 59 Infantry Division as the chief guest in the company of the donors, Commander, 573 Infantry Brigade, Senior Officers, Officers, Superintendent of Police of Mankulam, OIC Police Station, Other Ranks and a large crowd of devotees were present during the event.
Troops after participating in religious observances held a free eatery (rice Dansela) for the devotees and locals in the area.
