DEEGAWAPIYA SACRED RELICS PLACED AT SPECIALLY BUILT RELIC HOUSE

4:51pm on Monday 17th January 2022

Turning another chapter in the chronicles of Sri Lankan history under the concept of “Yali Dakimu Deegawapiya”, the sacred relics consecrated where unearthed recently at Deegawapiya Stupa site were placed amidst the blessings of Venerable Maha Sanga at specially built “Relic House” which is located in sacred Deegawapiya Temple premises through a picturesque Perahera starting from District Secretariat at Ampara today (17 January 2022).

The event was held under the patronage of Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and the Chairperson of the ‘Archaeological Heritage Management Presidential Task Force’ for the Eastern Province, General Kamal Guneratne (Retd).

The event was attended by the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana, Acting Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army, Commander of the Navy, Secretary to the Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Ministry Prof. Kapila Gunewardena, Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture and former District Secretary to Ampara, Mr. DML Bandaranaike, District Secretary to Ampara, Director General of Civil Security Department, Acting Director Civil Engineering of the Sri Lanka Air Force, the Commanding Officer of SLAF Station Ampara, Regional Senior Military Officers, State Officials and a large crowd of devotees.

The Secretary of Defence and Tri Forces Commanders laid foundation stones for the proposed ‘Buddhist Shrine’ at the auspicious time amidst religious blessings presided over by Payagala Malegoda Sri Pushparama Vihara Chief Incumbent, Venerable Malegoda Nanda Thero.

Further, a flower dropping was carried out by No 07 Helicopter Squadron at SLAF Base Hingurakgoda during the enshrining of sacred relics inside the Relic House amidst chanting of Pirith and ‘Shabda Pooja’.

This meritorious event culminated with serving of alms to the Maha Sanga along with other religious rituals performed.