A special progress review meeting to discuss the ongoing restoration work and future plans for the Deegawapiya Stupa and Neelagiriya Maha Seya was held at the Ministry of Defence on February 13. The meeting was convened under the guidance of Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), Author and First Trustee of the Deegawapiya Stupa Restoration Trust, and was presided over by the Military Liaison Officer, Air Vice Marshal P. N. De Costa.

Discussions focused on revitalizing the current momentum and expediting the restoration efforts of the Deegawapiya and Neelagiriya stupas. The restoration of these ancient religious sites, which are held in high spiritual and historical esteem by Buddhists, has shown significant progress to date. The Military Liaison Officer instructed the attending officials to ensure that all restoration tasks are carried out in accordance with strict quality standards, particularly in the production of specialized bricks. He further emphasized the importance of continuously obtaining expert advice and making all necessary arrangements to facilitate the smooth progression of the projects.

Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on existing challenges, proposed solutions, and future roadmaps to ensure the successful and timely completion of these historic restoration initiatives.
The meeting was attended by the Chief Incumbent of the Deegawapiya Temple, Ven. Mahaoya Sobhitha Thero, along with the Director General of Archaeology, the Director General of the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO), and officials from the Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau (CECB) and the National Engineering Research and Development Centre (NERD). Senior Project Management Officers of the Deegawapiya project and officers in charge of the Neelagiriya Stupa restoration were also present.