On the directive of the Defence Secretary, as the Author of the Deegawapiya Aruna Trust and First Trustee of the Deegawapiya Stupa Restoration Board of Trustees, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, conducted an official inspection visit to the Deegawapiya Stupa and Neelagiri Maha Seya on Wednesday (Aug 13) to assess the progress of the ongoing restoration initiatives.

Coinciding with the visit, a progress review meeting was convened at the Deegawapiya Temple in Ampara to evaluate the current status of the renovation works. The session was presided over by the Chief Incumbent of the Deegawapiya Temple, Venerable Mahaoya Sobitha Thero and the Chief Incumbent of Sri Sambodhi Temple and Chairman of the Buddhist Media Network, Venerable Boralande Vajiragnana Thero.

The meeting saw the participation of senior representatives from key government institutions, including the Department of Archaeology, Department of Forest Conservation, Department of Survey, and local government bodies, along with tri-service officers directly involved in the Deegawapiya Stupa and Neelagiri Maha Seya restoration efforts.

The discussions focused on the current progress of the restoration activities, identified operational challenges and explored practical solutions, while also outlining strategic plans for the future advancement of both sacred sites.