15th July 2024 15:03:40 Hours
Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, Commander of the Army and Mrs. Janaki Liyanage, President of Army Seva Vanitha Unit (ASVU), took center stage at the auspicious ceremony marking the positioning of the Omniscient Relic Casket of Lord Buddha at Deegawapiya Pagoda. This solemn event attended by esteemed dignitaries and devout followers, was profound evidence of Sri Lanka's religious heritage.
The day commenced with the inauguration of a newly constructed alms hall, by General Kamal Gunaratne (Rtd) WWV RWP RSP USP ndc psc MPhil, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence together with his spouse Mrs. Chithrani Gunaratne. This alms hall was constructed by the Navy and Air Force troops.
Following this inaugural ceremony, all guests witnessed the unveiling of the newly constructed relic chamber within the premises. Attendees joined in a ceremonial procession escorting the Omniscient Relic Casket of Lord Buddha to its designated place in the main relic chamber, accompanied by rhythmic traditional drumming. The assembly paid homage by offering flowers, symbolising reverence and celebration of this sacred occasion.
The formal proceedings commenced with devotees observing the five precepts administered by the Maha Sangha, followed by a welcome speech by the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence. Professor D. Thusitha Mendis, Director General of Archaeology, then delivered a discourse on the archaeological significance of the site, enriching the understanding of the historical context.
The ceremony was honoured with the arrival of the chief guest, HE the President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and distinguished guests warmly received the chief guest to the premises. Subsequently, the ceremonial procession continued with the positioning of the Omniscient Relic Casket of Lord Buddha and its treasures within the chamber of Deegawapiya Pagoda which was constructed with the participation of Army troops. This sacred act was presided over by the Chief Prelate of Deegawapiya Temple, Ven. Mahaoya Sobhitha Thero, and accompanied by pirith chanting.
Clergy, former President Hon. Mahinda Rajapaksa, Hon. Vidura Wickramanayaka, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Members of Parliament, Mr. Sagala Ratnayaka, Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to the President, General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil, Chief of Defence Staff, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera RSP USP ndu psc, Commander of the Navy, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa RSP VSV USP rcds psc, Commander of the Air Force, Senior Tri Forces serving and retired Officers, Police Officers, and their beloved spouses and a large number of devotees in the area attended the event.
The ceremony concluded with the opening of a memorable rest house in honour of Most Ven. Daranagama Kusaladhamma Thero (Late), which was constructed with the generous contribution of the Navy troops. The mother of Most Ven. Daranagama Kusaladhamma Thero (Late) extended the financial generosity and declared open the rest house in the presence of distinguished guests and their spouses.
