‘Sambuddha Raja Mandapaya’of Pepiliyana Sunethra Devi Pirivena
vested in Bhikkhus
June 19, 2022
The newly constructed ‘Sambuddha Raja Mandapaya’, the Pillared Structure for Lord Buddha of Pepiliyana Sunethra Devi Pirivena was vested in Venerable Maha Sanga under the patronage of Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne and country’s defence top brass at the historical temple premises in Pepiliyana today morning (June 19).
Accordingly, the Chief Guest, Defence Secretary Gen. Gunaratne declared open the plaque at the invitation of Chief Prelate of the historical temple Ven. Prof. Medagoda Abayatissa thero during the session while marking the inauguration of the ceremony.
The two storied structure, built using timber of Arjun tree (Kumbuk) is comprised of wood sculptures and is also said to be one of the best wood carving collections.
Venerable Maha Sanga including the Chief Incumbent of Asgiri Maha Viharaya Ven. Warakagoda Gnanarathana and Malwattu Chapter Anunayaka thero Venerable Dr. Niyangoda Dharmakeerthi Sri Sangarakkitha Vijithasiri theros presided over the religious opening ceremony.
The Pirivena comprised of a computer lab was also vested in novice bhikkhus who have arrived from different parts of the island and are pursuing their religious education at the historical Pirivena by Venerable Dr. Niyangoda Vijithasiri thero ceremonially at the invitation of Chief Prelate Venerable Prof. Medagoda Abayatissa thero amidst religious blessings.
Navy Commander Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne handed over the keys of the refurbished Pirivena building complex symbolically to a novice monk during the session.
Army Commander Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage handed over the new Sunday School for its pupils during the session.
Air Force Commander Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana handed over a playground afterwards at the invitation of Chief Prelate Venerable Prof. Abayatissa thero.
Venerable Prof. Abayatissa thero conducted the welcome address at the outset of the ceremony and also expressed his appreciation to those who had contributed in various capacities to this noble spiritual undertaking.
The event saw religious observances and blessings of Venerable Maha Sangha and Chief Prelates of renowned temples including Chairperson of Buddhist Channel Ven. Boralande Vajiraghana thero, Chief Incumbent of the Watarappola Bauddhayatanaya in Mt. Lavinia Ven. Diviyagaha Yassassi Nayaka thero and also the presence of Diyawadana Nilame Nilanga Dela Bandara and a large gathering of distinguished invitees, military personnel, teachers, students and devotees.
The renowned Pepiliyana Sunethra Devi Pirivena was constructed by King Parakrama Bahu VI of Kotte between 1410 and 1415 AD in honour of his loving mother, Queen Sunethra Devi. The King was a great warrior who united the country. The 600 year old Pirivena, one of Sri Lanka’s greatest spiritual and historic monuments, has rendered invaluable service in the field of Buddhist literature.
