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 (Jul 06), to review the preparations for the upcoming 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 Dining Facility are also to be opened concurrently.

Accordingly, Gen. Gunaratne chaired a special discussion with the participation of Ven. Maha Sangha and the project officers and delved into the existing issues on the restoration works. Further, according to the conclusions reached during the discussion, the necessary technical instructions were given to the project officials for the most effective completion of the construction and to set the actions related to the upcoming Sacred Treasures Enshrinement Ceremony.

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 and the concerned project officials were present at the occasion.