General Kamal Gunaratne, the Defence Secretary as the Author of the Deegawapiya Aruna Trust and First Trustee, engaged in a field study tour at the historic Deegawapiya premises at Ampara today (June 24) and chaired a meeting to review the preparations for Sacred Treasures Enshrinement Ceremony.

Plans are in place to enshrine the Sacred Relics and Treasures in the hemispherical dome of ‘Deegawapiya Stupa’ on July 14. The newly constructed Shrine Hall, Venerable Daranagama Kusaladhamma Memorial Pilgrims Rest and the Dinning Facility are also to be opened concurrently.

Hence, the review focused on monitoring the progress of the restoration works being carried out in connection with Deegawapiya Stupa sacred site and to delve into the progress of the preparation works for Sacred Treasures Enshrinement Ceremony.

Accordingly, Gen. Gunaratne chaired a special meeting to provide technical advice to the project officers for speedy and effective completion of the construction prior to the Ceremony while discussing the existing problems and carrying out the future work.

The Chief Prelate of Deegawapiya Raja Maha Viharaya Ven. Mahaoya Sobhitha Thero, the Chief Prelate of Sri Sambodhi Viharaya Colombo Ven. Boralande Wajiragnana Thero, Commander of the Army Lt. Gen. Vikum Liyanage, Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, Commander of the Air Force Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, Security Force Commander (East) Maj. Gen. Shewanth Kulatunge, Military Liaison Officer of the Ministry of Defence Maj. Gen. Dhammika Welagedara, Commander South Eastern Naval Area Rear Admiral Thushara Karunathunga, Chief Electrical Engineer of the Ceylon Electricity Board, Chairman of the Road Passenger Transport Authority, Manager of the Water Supply Board and concerned state officials were present at the occasion