The foundation stone laying for the scheduled ‘Deegawapiya Stupa’ restoration process will be commenced auspiciously under the guidance of the Chief Prelate of Sacred Deegawapiya Temple Ven. Mahaoya Sobitha Thero at the Deegawapiya premises tomorrow (22 Oct).

The Prime Minister and the Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa will grace the event as the Chief Guest.  

The restoration process will continue with the assistance of the Armed Forces and the Civil Security Department (CSD) under the directives of Defence Secretary and Chairperson of ‘Archaeological Heritage Management Presidential Task Force’ for Eastern Province, Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne.

The restoration process would be propelled with the technical proficiency and archaeological advices provided by the archaeologists and professionals of the Archaeology Department.

The funds generated through ‘Deegawapiya Trust Fund’ would be utilized for the process and it is expected to raise funds through the sponsors and religious devotees in Sri Lanka and abroad to complete the renovation.

‘Deegawapiya’ which is also famous as one of the sacred religious sites among the sixteen places of worship, remained dilapidated amidst lack of attention for a long spell which was brought to the notice of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa by the Chief Prelate Ven. Mahaoya Sobitha thero and recently triggered the process of renovation.  

Several attempts taken to renovate Deegawapiya Stupa in the recent past were also halfway came to a standstill. However, under the directives of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the renovations of this ancient temple site would be completed within three years as scheduled.

Deegawapiya Buddhist temple and the site with archaeological importance dating back to 3rd century BCE was built by King Saddhatissa in the past.

This famous sacred site is not only for locals, but also for religious devotees all around the world due to its significance associated with the arrival by the Lord Buddha himself during the era.

Venerable Maha Sangha including Chief Prelate of Deegawapiya Temple Ven. Mahaoya  Sobitha thero, Eastern Province Governor Anuradha Yahampath, Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne, Chairperson Defence Ministry’s Seva Vanitha Unit Chithrani Gunaratne, Army Commander Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva, Air Force Commander Air Marshal Sumangala Dias, CSD Director General Rear Admiral (Retd) Ananda Peiris, Director General of Archaeology Department Prof. Senerath Dissanayake, South Eastern Naval Commander Rear Admiral Jayantha Gamage, Senior Officials of the Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Ministry, Security Forces and CSD will also attend the occasion.