Presidential Secretariat of Sri Lanka

Inaugural ceremony of the “Deegawapiya Aruna” fundraiser commences under patronage of President and Prime Minister

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa inaugurated the “Deeghawapiya Aruna” fundraising program for the restoration of the Deeghawapiya stupa at the Sri Sambodhi Viharaya, Colombo 07 yesterday (Feb. 12).

Deegawapiya is one of the Solosmasthanas (16 places of worship) and is the fourth largest stupa in the country. The dagoba was built by King Saddhatissa enshrining with relics of the Buddha.

The reconstruction of the dagoba project was launched as the first and foremost task of the Presidential Task Force for Archaeological Heritage Management in the Eastern Province following the request by the Chief Incumbent of the Deegawapiya Vihara, Ven. Mahaoya Sobhitha Thero.

The project is scheduled to complete within 3 years. One of the noticeable features of this project is that it’s not funded by the national treasury. Both local and foreign sponsors are welcome and are encouraged to contribute finance and manpower as well.

Upon arrival at the vihara, the President engaged in religious observances. Maha Sanga led by the Most Ven. Wedaruwe Upali Anunayake Thero, Anu Nayaka of the Asgiriya Chapter of the Siam Maha Nikaya chanted Pirith and blessed the President’s wellbeing.

The official website for the program “Yali Dakimu Deegawapiya” was also launched by President Rajapaksa.

Foremost contribution, a sum of Rs 100 million was presented to the President by Mr. Chandrakeerthi Bandara, a member of the Dhayaka Saba on behalf of the Senasanadhipathi of the Nauyana Aranya Ven. Angulmaduwe Ariyananda Thero.

In addition, donations by Tri-forces, Sri Lanka Police, Civil Defense Force, Bank of Ceylon, Apeksha Hospital, Maharagama, Head of the Central Bearings and Machinery Mr. Sudath Tennakoon including a donation of Rs 5 million by the Buddhist Channel were presented to the President.

In line with the renovation of the Deegawapi stupa, it is also planned to construct a rest house comprising four halls and twenty rooms to facilitate and accommodate the devotees visiting the sacred site.

Most Ven. Makulewe Wimala Thero, Mahanayake of the Ramanna Maha Nikaya, Most Ven. Ganthune Assaji thero, Mahanayake of the Amarapura Chulagandhi Chapter, Chief Incumbent of the Mirisawetiya vihara Ven. Ethalawetunuwewe Gnanatilake, Archaeology Chakravarthy Ven. Ellawala Medhananda Thero, Maha Sanga, Minister Sarath Weerasekara, State Minister Vidura Wickramanayaka, Chairperson of the Presidential Task Force for Archaeological Heritage Management in the Eastern Province,  Secretary of Defense, Major General (Retired) Kamal Gunaratne, Heads of the Security Divisions including Commanders of the Tri-forces and several state officials were present at the occasion.

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