Deegawapiya Restoration; a National Endeavour
The restoration of Deegawapiya Stupa, a much needed national endeavour, was revitalized following the matter brought by Deegawapiya Maha Viharaya Chief Prelate Ven. Mahaoya Sobitha thero to the notice of His Excellency the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, after his election as the President of the country.
The preservation of archaeologically valuable, National Heritage sites in the country is also an essential component stated in the President’s election manifesto ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour’.
This noble idea was brought directly to the notice by the Maha Sanga, based on the experience of several futile attempts propelled to renovate the Stupa in the recent past.
Ancient Stronghold of Deegawapiya
‘Deegawapiya’ graced by the Lord Buddha is renowned as one of the sacred ancient religious sites among the sixteen places of worship of the Buddhist devotees. According to the Mahawansa, the history of Deegawapiya Buddhist temple and the site with archaeological importance dates back to the 3rd century BCE.
Annals confirm that the mega Stupa was built by King Saddhatissa, the brother of Dutugemunu by depositing precious ‘Nail Relics’ of Lord Buddha.
According to the Mahawansa, the Buddha on his third visit to Sri Lanka, after spending the day at the Adam's Peak arrived at the Deegawapiya.
Mahawansa states that the King Kavantissa stationed his second son, Prince Tissa in Deegawapiya with troops and chariots in-order-to guard the region while assigning him to develop the irrigation and cultivation as it was one of the key areas for food production.
Later, King Saddhatissa in this kingship built the Deegawapiya Stupa together with its temple for Venerable Maha Sanga.
Deegawapiya Stupa’ restoration project
April 24, 2024
The exposition of the Sacred Omniscient Relics of Deegawapiya Stupa and the Crest-Gem takes place at Sri Lanka Army Infantry Training Centre, Minneriya for public veneration. These revered articles will be on public display there until the morning on April 27.
April 19, 2024
Ms. Lu Su-feng, a Taiwanese national, has arranged to credit an amount of US$ 3,025 (Rs. 913,688.55) to the Deegawapiya Trust Fund today (Apr 19).
April 08, 2024
The procession of the Sacred Omniscient Relics of Deegawapiya Stupa and the Crest-Gem is currently at Anurdhapura city to provide devotees with the opportunity to pay their homage.
April 02, 2024
The procession of the Sacred Omniscient Relics of Deegawapiya Stupa unearthed from the Deegawapiya site during excavations and the Crest-Gem, currently on island-wide public veneration to provide devotees with opportunity to pay their homage recently arrived to Anurdhapura.
March 20, 2024
General Kamal Gunaratne, the Defence Secretary as the Author of the Deegawapiya Aruna Trust and First Trustee of Deegawapiya Stupa Restoration Board of Trustees engaged in a field study tour at the historic Deegawapiya premises at Ampara and Neelagiri Maha Seya in Lahugala, today (March 20) and reviewed the progress in order to provide further directives on the restoration works.
Deegawapiya Photo Gallery
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Account Name: Deegawapiya Aruna
Account Number: 86860000
Bank : Bank of Ceylon
Branch: Taprobane Branch, Colombo.
Bank Code: 7010
Branch Code: 747
Swift Code: BCEYLKLX
Contact Us
Ministry of Defence, Defence Headquarters Complex, Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte.
deegawapiyaaruna@gmail.com
011 2430860-78
011 2541529
