Sandahiru Stupa ‘Crest-Gem’ and ‘Sacred Pinnacle’ exposition to begin
July 30, 2021• ‘Crest-Gem’ and ‘Sacred Pinnacle' exposition begins from Aug 8, 2021
• Available for public veneration at 48 temples around the island
• Unveiling of ‘Sacred Pinnacle' is hopefully on Nov 18, 2021
• Stupa to be vested in devotees in November 2021
• Healthcare and safety procedures are followed during the exposition
Exposition of the ‘Crest-Gem’ and the ‘Sacred Pinnacle' of Sandahiru Stupa around the country in a religious procession for public veneration will be commenced on Aug 8, 2021 said, the Defence Secretary Gen. Kamal Gunaratne (Retd).
Accordingly, the religious procession will arrive at 48 temples covering 18 districts around the island, starting from Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo, while travelling over 47 days, he said.
The Defence Secretary stating on healthcare measures scheduled to be taken in coordination with respective regional healthcare authorities said “there won’t be unnecessary gatherings”.
During a media brief held at the Defence Ministry today (July 30), Gen. Gunaratne said “Once completed, the gigantic Sandahiru Seya is only second to Ruwanweli Maha Seya in its height”.
The Defence Secretary denoting the culmination of the construction process stated that “Stupa would be vested in devotees hopefully in Nov 2021” adding that “The unveiling of ‘Sacred Pinnacle' is scheduled to be held on Nov 18”.
The motorcade will commence their passage daily starting from 8.30 am to 6.30 pm and revered items will be kept open for public veneration even during the night at each destination from 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm, a project official said while briefing the route plan.
Meanwhile, responding to a question on traffic control, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) CD Wickramaratne said “Commuter traffic would be controlled accordingly without hampering the regular flow”.
“Respective Police divisions were also informed”, he added.
Recalling Sandahiru Seya construction which commenced under the directives of the fifth Executive President and the present Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, in appreciation of the noble services rendered by the Security Forces personnel to rid the country of terrorism, he said “It was built with the contribution of Tri-Forces personnel, devotees and various donors”.
In winding up the brief, Gen. Gunaratne went on saying, “As long as the moon and the sun rises, this mammoth religious structure will remain as a place of worship and a symbol of gratitude for fallen and wounded war veterans”.
The event symbolized the maiden media brief held at the new Defence Ministry at the Defence Headquarters Complex in Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte with the participation of Tri-Forces, Police and Civil Security Department Chiefs.
Chief of Defence Staff and Army Commander Gen. Shavendra Silva, Navy Commander Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne, Air Force Commander Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana, IGP CD Wickramaratne, Director General of Civil Security Department Maj. Gen. Ranjan Lamahewage, Defence Ministry Officials, Senior Military Officials and a gathering of media personnel were present at the briefing.
