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
November 10, 2024
Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), the Defence Secretary as the Author of the Deegawapiya Aruna Trust and First Trustee, engaged in a field study tour at the historic Deegawapiya Stupa premises at Ampara on Saturday (Nov 09), to review the progress of Stupa Restoration Project.
October 10, 2024
Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), assumed as the new Author of Deegawapiya Aruna Trust and First Trustee.
August 23, 2024
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by the Chairman of the Ceylon Ceramics Corporation and ‘Deegawapiya Trust Fund’ recently (Aug 16) with regard to supplying required raw material (soil) for the manufacturing of bricks for the Deegawapiya Stupa restoration project.
July 14, 2024
The depositing of Omniscient sacred relics and treasures at the Deegawapiya Stupa, which occupies a prominent place among the sacred places of worship visited by Lord Buddha, was held amidst the blessings of the Maha Sanga at the auspicious hour this morning (Jul 14). The grand historic ceremony was held with the presence of President Ranil Wickremesinghe as the chief guest.
July 10, 2024
Arrangements have been made for the enshrinement ceremony of sacred relics and treasures in the hemispherical dome of the historic Deegawapi Stupa on July 14 under the auspices of President Ranil Wickremesinghe as the Chief Guest.
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
