Secretary Defence Opens Vahalkada at Swarnamali Viharaya

The newly-built archway (Vahalkada) at Swarnamali Viharaya in Thelawala, Angulana was declared opened by Secretary Defence Mr Gotabaya Rajapaksa amidst beating of ‘Magul Bera’ and ‘Hevisi’ Monday (20) afternoon.

Mr Gotabaya Rajapaksa Secretary Defence, Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, President, Seva Vanitha Army Branch Mrs Manjulika Jayasuriya, Major General (Retd) M.D Fernando, Major General (Retd) Kapila Hendawitharana and Mrs A.G Chithra Perera Silva and a few others as distinguished guests attended the occasion.

The new archway, a donation made by Mrs A.G Chithra Perera has been built on the instructions of the Vihara incumbent, Mahanayaka Thera of Amarapura Nikaya, Ven Ambalangoda Sri Sumangala Thera. Mr Gotabaya Rajapaksa as Chief Guest on the occasion making his brief speech paid his tribute to late War Heroes and commended the construction of the new archway at the temple within a short period of time.

Ven Sri Sumangala Thero in his anusasana reminded the gathering that it was due to determination of the Secretary Defence only Sri Lanka won the fight against terrorism like he was determined to build this archway.

All the distinguished guests were received offering traditional betel sheaves and were conducted to make offerings to Buddha before the traditional oil lamp was lit for inauguration of the Daham Sabhawa.

One-minute silence was also observed on the occasion in memory of fallen War Heroes. Ven Dodamgoda Assaji Thero and Ven Thirikunamale Ananda Thero delivered anusasana. Mayor for Moratuwa Mr Saman Lal Fernando, Mr Hemasiri Perera and Mr J. Liyanaarachchi also spoke.