A panel of experts those involved in Deegawapiya Stupa restoration project reviewed its progress during a meeting chaired by Director General of the National Building Research Organization (NBRO) Eng. (Dr.) Asiri Karunawardena which was held at the NBRO Auditorium recently (Feb 24).

The panel had a fruitful discussion with its members following a visit made to the construction site on Dec 28, last year and directions were given to the project officers in view of further strengthening the renovation process of the Stupa, which is an ancient Buddhist sacred shrine and archaeological site in the Ampara District. Accordingly, based on the observations and analysis of the recent site visit, required technical instructions were given during the session.

Restoration process of the sacred premises commenced under the guidance of Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne, who is also the ‘Author of the ‘Deeghawapi Aruna Trust’ and ‘First Trustee’, utilizing funds accumulated through the ‘Deegawapiya Aruna Trust Fund’, which is generously supported by philanthropists.

Prof. SMA Nanayakkara from the University of Moratuwa, Prof. N Shakthi  Shiverparan  from the University of Jaffna, Dr. HP Suriyaarachchi from the University of Ruhuna, Eng. Kapila Peiris representing  the National Engineering Research and Development Centre, Eng. Sanjeewa Wijesinghe from Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau, Senior Project Management Officer Col. TKD Darmasena, Project Officer Commander Eranda Wickramasinghe, Col. KS Mohan Kumar (Retd) of the Corps of Engineer Services, Senior Lecturers representing the University of Peradeniya, officials of the Department of Archaeology, project architects and surveyors were included in the panel of experts.