06th August 2021 08:29:11 Hours
Amidst religious blessings of the Maha Sangha and floral offerings, the crest-gem pinnacle (Chuda Manikkya) of the ‘Sanda Hiru Seya’ stupa, now nearing completion at Anuradhapura was placed for public veneration at Colombo Gangaramaya temple this evening (5) after it was carried to the temple in a simple but colourful procession.
The revered pinnacle after Sunday (8) will be taken to 48 temples around the island in 18 districts covering 47 days before it reaches Anuradhapura in a motorcade. Defence Secretary Gen. Kamal Gunaratne (Retd), the driving force behind the expeditious culmination of the project, together with Secretaries to few Ministries, General Shavendra Silva, Chief of Defence Staff and Army Commander, Navy and Air Force Commanders, Mrs Kamal Gunaratne, Mrs Sujeewa Nelson, President, Army Seva Vanitha Unit, Commissioner of Buddhist Affairs and several senior state officials joined religious observances, administered by Ven. Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thero, the acting Chief Incumbent of Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple, Ven Prof Medagoda Abhayatissa Nayake Thero and a few monks before the pinnacle was unveiled for exposition.
The renowned businessman, a devotee and a patron of the sacred construction, Mr Arthur Senanayake, who offered the sacred Crest Gem which has been designed to be placed on the top most dome of the Conical Spire of the Stupa, was also present at the event.
