31st May 2024 08:03:06 Hours
An inspection visit was conducted by General Kamal Gunaratne (Rtd) WWV RWP RSP USP ndc psc MPhil, the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, together with Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, the Commander of the Army, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa RSP VSV USP rcds psc, the Commander of the Air Force and a gathering of distinguished guests on 30 May 2024. The purpose of the visit was to inspect the ongoing 'Deegawapiya' and ‘Neelagiriya’ restoration projects.
The day began with the guests visiting the chief incumbent of the temple, Ven. Mahaoya Sobitha Thero, to inquire about the wellbeing of the monks and the progress of the restoration project. Following this, they inspected the construction work of the relic chamber, pilgrims' rest, and the residential quarters for monks (sanghawasa). The construction projects are carried out by troops of the Tri-Service and Civil Security Department. They also took the opportunity to speak with officials from the Department of Archaeology who are conducting excavations in the area.
During their journey from Ampara, the visiting delegates called at Neelagiri Pagoda temple in Sengamuwa, Pottuvil and inquired about the ongoing construction work of the temple, carried out by Airmen of the Sri Lanka Air Force.
Major General S.A Kulatunge RWP RSP VSV USP psc, Commander, Security Forces - East, Rear Admiral M.T.S Karunatunga RSP USP psc, Commander South Eastern Naval Area and a gathering of Senior Officers, Officers and Other Ranks also took part in the visit.
