Hon Prime Minister Inaugurates ‘Deegavapiya’ Dagoba Restoration Project

‘Deegavapiya’, one of the sacred religious sites among sixteen places of worship which remained dilapidated for a long time would be renovated and given a complete facelift following a pledge given by HE the President to the chief incumbent Ven. Mahaoya Sobitha Thero at ‘Deegavapiya’.

Hon Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is also the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs as the Chief Guest at the invitation of Major General (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne, Secretary Defence and Chairman of the Presidential Task Force for Archaeological Heritage Management this morning (11) inaugurated the renovation work amid blessings of the Maha Sangha by placing the first brick on the ground layer. Prime Minister Rajapaksa also planted a ‘Naa’ (Mesua Ferrea) sapling in the sacred area to symbolize the ceremony.

The technical expertise and archaeological recommendations for this gigantic task would be provided by veteran archaeologists and professionals in the Archaeology Department and the manpower is to be completed by tri servicemen, Civil Security Department (CSD) personnel and other volunteers.

With no cost to the government coffers, ‘Deegawapiya Trust Fund’ would provide funds for its renovation and it expects to raise funds through the sponsors and devotees in Sri Lanka and abroad to complete the renovation project in full within a short period.

Venerable Maha Sangha including Ven. Mahaoya Sobitha Thero, Incumbent, Ven Eethalawetunuwewe Gnanarathana Thera, Incumbent at Mirisawetiya, Eastern Province Governor Ms Anuradha Yahampath, Wildlife Resources State Minister Wimalaweera Dissanayake, Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne, Secretary Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Ministry Prof. Kapila Gunawardana, District Secretary for Ampara, Chairperson Defence Ministry’s Seva Vanitha Unit Mrs Chithrani Gunaratne, CSD Director General Rear Admiral (Retd) Ananda Peiris, Director General of Archaeology Department Prof. Senerath Dissanayake, Commander, Security Forces, East, Major General Chinthaka Gamage, South Eastern Naval Commander, Rear Admiral Jayantha Gamage, Senior Officials of the Defence Ministry, Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Ministry, Security Forces and CSD were also present at the occasion. jordan Sneakers | Hats to Match Jordans Hyper Royal Bulls Hat