Defence Secretary laid foundation stone for Deeghawapiya ‘Pilgrims Rest’
October 15, 2021- The country’s third highest Stupa restoration to be expedited
Defence Secretary and Chairperson of ‘Archaeological Heritage Management Presidential Task Force’ (PTF) for Eastern Province, Gen. Kamal Gunaratne (Retd) laid the foundation stone for the proposed ‘Pilgrims Rest’ at the Deeghawapiya Raja Maha Viharaya premises amidst the religious blessings today (15 July).
The fully-fledged Pilgrims Rest (Vishrama Shalawa) would be constructed while setting a charming environment surrounded by trees according to the proposed plan with the technical expertise of the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) and it has been projected to complete by the month of August next year (2022).
Gen. Gunaratne also inquired into the progress of proposed alms hall, lotus pond, relic’s house, tree planting and landscaping work, during the visit.
Along with the expedited work, the Stupa construction has reached up to 17 feet height over the third Basal Ring as of today.
Responding to media during the session, Gen. Gunaratne pledged that the former glory of the Stupa would be restored within 18 months, while recalling several attempts initiated time to time to renovate the Stupa by the former ancient kings.
“The Stupa restoration and entire development is expected to be accomplished within two years” he added.
“Once completed this Stupa would be the third highest Stupa in the country with a height of 275 feet”, he also went on saying.
Citing the fast-tracked Sandahiru Stupa project in Anuradhapura which is nearing its completion, the Defence Secretary affirmed “Once the Sandahiru Stupa construction is completed, the labour force and the standard Stupa bricks production would be directed to Deeghawapiya project to expedite the work”.
Gen Gunaratne also stated that the plans are afoot to complete the Stone-Paved Precincts (Salapathala Maluwa) along with the ending of Stupa restoration.
“Government funds would not be utilised for this noble work, but the construction continues through contributions” he said while mentioning about the ‘Deeghawapiya Aruna’ Bank Account dedicated to this purpose.
The renovation work is in progress under the guidance of Deeghawapiya Raja Maha Viharaya Chief Prelate Ven. Mahaoya Sobhitha thero.
The ‘Deeghawapiya Stupa’ restoration project was ceremonially inaugurated by the Prime Minister and Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister Hon. Mahinda Rajapaksa auspiciously laying the foundation stone on Nov 11, 2020.
Ven. Maha Sanga including Mahaoya Sobhitha thero, Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Ministry Secretary Prof. Kapila Gunawardana, Ampara Government Agent D.M.L. Bandaranayke, Director General of the Civil Security Department Maj. Gen. Ranjan Lamahewage (Retd), Director General of Archaeology Prof. Anura Manatunga, Military Liaison Officer of the Defence Ministry Maj. Gen. Dinesh Nanayakkara, regional senior military officers, architects, archaeologists and engineers were also present during the occasion.
