02nd June 2024 21:03:10 Hours
Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, Commander of the Army, graced the opening ceremony of “Guru Dew Suwa Arana” Bhikku Hospital, which was built on the concept of Late Most Venerable Mapalagama Siri Somissara Nayaka Thero and under the guidance of Venerable Pitigala Sonutthara Nayaka Thero, the Chief Incumbent of Sri Dhathumalu Viharaya, Kohuwala.
This Bhikku Hospital complex in Kiriwaththuduwa, Homagama, comprised of five-story and three-story buildings, was declared open by His Excellency the President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces on 1st June 2024. This facility can provide treatment for 50 Monks and a meditation environment for 500 Monks. The 6 Corps of Engineer Services provided the essential manpower and technical expertise to complete the task in a short amount of time.
A host of South Korean delegations including clergy, Hon. (Dr.) Bandula Gunawardana, Minister of Mass Media, Hon. Sisira Jayakody (Attorney at Law), State Minister of Indigenous Medicine and Hon. Pradeep Nilanga Dela, Chief Custodian of Sri Dalada Maligawa joined together for the event.
After the ceremonial proceedings, His Excellency the President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the Chief Guest, handed over a special memento to Neunghaeng Bhikku the Chief Incumbent of Long Fomg Temple, South Korea as a token of appreciation.
Major General S.W.M Fernando WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc, Commander, Security Forces - West, Senior Officers, Officers and many devotees also participated in the event.
