Newly-Restored Many Integral Sections of Worship at Kuragala Opened to Devotees on Thrice Blessed Day

A few minutes later, as hundreds of traditional drummers began rending the air and members of the Maha Sangha went on reciting 'Seth Pirith', General Shavendra Silva, Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army, together with other donors respectfully unveiled the golden pinnacle with its crystal gem atop at Kuragala 'Asidisi Shaykamuni Mahaseya' at the invitation of the incumbent and driving force behind the project, Ven Waturakumbure Dhammaratana Nayake Thera.

A helicopter showered floral petals and added more colour and dignity to the event while pinnacle unveiling was underway amid roars of 'Sadhu Sadhu' blessings of devotees reveberating.

A set of balloons sprouted out into the skies as the pinnacle was unveiled. In an oration (Anushasana) Ven Wathurakubure Dhammaratana Thera gratefully acknowledged the initiation of the project by HE the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa some years ago and his continued support to make it a reality in less than a year with the unfailing support, extended by General Shavendra Silva and Army troops, in addition to the contribution of Civil Security Department personnel and hundreds of Buddhist groups. He also profusely thanked the troops for their dedicated roles and admitted that it took nearly 50 years for the Buddhists to have it reclaimed as it remained unattended.

Around the same time, General Shavendra Silva was invited to vest the new preaching hall in the buddhists of Sri Lanka after unveiling a plaque and ribbon-cutting amidst chanting. The opening of the "Esidisi Shakya Sugatha Damsabha Mandapaya' was marked unveiling a plaque by the donors, together with the Army Chief. The manpower of the Sri Lanka Army and the Civil Security Department personnel erected this hall with sponsorship, provided by Mrs Disna Wanigasekara and Mr Chandrasena of Master Guide publications Ltd.

Next was the focus on the opening of the Bodhigaraya (parapet wall), erected round the sacred Bodhiya. A representative gathering with the Army Chief joined the inauguration of the protective wall around the Bodhiya in the premises. The morning segment of inaugurations ended with those inaugural occasions.

The second segment of the State Vesak Commemoration that got underway at the completely restored and revived Kuragala Raja Maha Viharaya in Kaltota, Balangoda which dates back to pre-historic times included the inauguration of the new Relic Chamber aka 'Esidisi Shakya Sughanda Kutiya' (Dhatu Mandiraya) where sacred relics of the Buddha and Arahants remain deposited for veneration.

The Chief of Defence Staff and Army Commander General Shavendra Silva as the Chief Guest in the day's inaugurations, together with other donors opened the chamber, built with funds, provided by the Army Buddhist Association, Neth FM and other devotees.

As in other instances of constructions in this complex, manpower and engineering expertise of the Sri Lanka Army enabled the erection of this spectacular chamber of exclusive architecture. Members of the Civi Security Department extended their support too.

Around the same time, the 4-storied residential quarters (Sanghawasaya), administrative section and the alms hall (Daana Shalawa) for the monks were declared opened for the benefit of resident monks and the administration of the location. General Shavendra Silva, together with the donors, state officials and devotees amid 'Seth Pirith' inaugurated those additions at the invitation of the Chief Incumbent and architect of the revival.

'Sirasa' TV and Neth FM were the main Media sponsors for the day's entire project.