Arrangements have been made for the enshrinement ceremony of sacred relics and treasures in the hemispherical dome of the historic Deegawapi Stupa on July 14 under the auspices of President Ranil Wickremesinghe as the Chief Guest.

In line with the enshrinement ceremony, the newly constructed Shrine Room, dining facility and the Most Venerable Daranagama Kusaladhamma Memorial Pilgrims Rest consisting of 20 spacious rooms and four halls facilitating visiting devotees, will also be opened on this day.

A press conference chaired by Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne was held today (July 10) at the main conference hall of the Government Information Department in Colombo to raise awareness about the enshrinement of sacred relics and treasures at the Deegawapiya Stupa.

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, is being reconstructed under the supervision and guidance of the Defence Secretary and Author of the Deegawapiya Aruna Trust and First Trustee, General Kamal Gunaratne, with labour support of the Tri Forces and Civil Security Department members and the devotees. The restoration work of the Stupa is funded by the 'Deegawapiya Aruna’ Fund which is generously supported by philanthropists and devotees who are eager to witness the former glory of Deegawapiya Stupa.

Restoration work of the Neelagiri sacred religious place located in the Lahugala Forest Reserve in Ampara District which had also been left unattended over three decades due to terrorists activities is also being simultaneously underway with the support of the Sri Lanka Air Force and Civil Security.

During press briefing today, it was also revealed the current progress of the ongoing Stupa reconstruction effort and placing of statues on eight sides ceremonially on July 15.

Chief Prilate of Deegawapi temple Ven. Mahaoya Sobitha Thero, Director (Architectural Conservator) of the Department of Archeology Mr. Prasanna B Ratnayake and journalists were present at the occasion.