• Defence Secretary reviews progress of ‘Deegawapiya’ and ‘Neelagiri Stupa’ restorations

General Kamal Gunaratne, the ‘Author of the Deegawapiya Aruna Trust’ and ‘First Trustee’ chaired a meeting to review the progress of ‘Deegawapiya’ and ‘Neelagiri Stupa’ restoration projects at the Defence Ministry, yesterday (Jun 16).
 
During the session, attention was drawn to the manufacture of specific standard bricks for Stupa constructions as practiced by the ancient Stupa draftsmen and selection of a precise mortar to sustain the Structure.

The construction progress of the proposed Pilgrims Rest, Shrine Hall and Relic House within the sacred Deegawapiya Raja Maha Viharaya premises was also taken up during the session.

According to the details, hemispherical dome has reached up to 57 feet from the ground level, thus far. The lengthy discussion also revealed that the estimated height of the entire Stupa will be 268 feet, once completed.

Utilization and availability of funds including the potential sources for raising of funds were also discussed in detail.

Deegawapiya, a place visited by Lord Buddha is regarded as one of the sacred ancient religious sites among the sixteen places of worship of Buddhists.

The restoration process which commenced under General Gunaratne’s guidance has witnessed much progress in the rebuilding work. The process is funded by the ‘Deegawapiya Aruna Trust Fund’ which is generously supported by the philanthropists.

Devotees who are eager to witness the former glory of Deegawapiya Stupa at their naked eye and to extend their generous supportive hands can obtain details through the Deegawapiya website www.deegawapiya.lk, deegawapiyaaruna@gmail.com or the telephone no. 011 2430860-78.

In the same note, Defence Secretary also delved into the progress of ‘Neelagiri Maha Seya’ restoration project which also revealed that the Stupa height has reached up to 41 feet from the ground level.

These Stupa restoration projects are in progress under the supervision of the Department of Archaeology and relevant state institutions while preserving ancient value and former glory of the respective sacred sites.

Chief Incumbent of Sri Sambodhi Viharaya and Chairperson of Buddhist Channel Ven. Boralande Vajiraghana thero, Chief Prelate of Deegawapiya Temple Ven. Mahaoya Sobitha thero, Prof. S.M.A. Nanayakkara of the University of Moratuwa, Director General of National Building Research Organisation Eng. (Dr.) Asiri Karunawardena, Secretary to the State Ministry of National Heritage, Performing Arts and Rural Arts Promotion Nishanthi Jayasinghe, Eng. Kapila Peiris of the National Engineering Research and Development Centre, Eng. Sanjeewa Wijesinghe from Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau, Director of the Architectural Conservation Prasanna Ratnayake, Accountant of the ‘Deegawapiya Aruna Trust’ KL Nishanthi and respective project officers were present at the meeting.