Former glory of Mihindu Maha Stupa is visible soon – Defence Secretary
March 06, 2021- Sandahiru Seya will be vested on devotees by end of this year
We will be able to vest the Mihindu Maha Seya, one of the oldest Stupas in the country, to the worshippers on completion of the restoration by October this year, said the Defence Secretary Gen. Kamal Gunaratne (Retd) today (Mar 6).
While recalling the inauguration of the ‘Mihindu Maha Stupa’ restoration process recently under the aegis of His Excellency the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the Defence Secretary said the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) has been entrusted with the restoration work.
The Defence Secretary expressed these remarks while paying homage to Mihinda Maha Seya at the Mihintale Monastery during his visit to several sacred places of worship in Anuradhapura today.
The restoration would be completed in October to coincide with the Mihindu Pura Atawaka Poya, which commemorates the day of Arahant Mahinda’s passing away, he added.
Mihintale Raja Maha Vihara Chief Prelate Ven. Walawahengunawewe Dharmaratna Thero was also present at the visit made by high ranking state officials.
Meanwhile, citing the on-going ‘Sandahiru Stupa’ construction, inaugurated by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa in 2010, dedicated for war heroes who sacrificed their precious lives during the war, he said “This Stupa would also be vested on devotees by the month of November this year”.
Arriving at the ‘Sandahiru Stupa’ during the journey, Gen. Gunaratne inspected the on-going work schedule that is intending to meet the deadlines.
He also discussed several key steps to be taken, over the table, including the ‘Pinnacle’ arrangement of the mega Stupa.
Apart from the two significant places of worship, referring to the renovations of Deegawapiya Stupa, which is an archaeological site in Ampara District, he went on saying “Since the restoration work was commenced in recent times, it would take another three years to witness the accomplishment”.
The depositing of treasures beneath the proposed ‘Arched Gateway’ (Wahalkada) of Sandahiru Stupa was also took place during the visit.
Venerable Maha Sanga including Mahmaevnawa Sangha Council Secretary and Shraddha Media Network Chief Adviser Ven. Aludeniye Subodhi Thero, Ven. Polpithimukalane Pagnasiri Thero, Navy Commander Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne, Director General of the Civil Security Department Maj. Gen. Nandana Senadeera, Director General of Archaeology Prof. Anura Manatunga, Commander Security Forces Wanni Major General Hemantha Bandara, General Officer Commanding of 21 Division Maj. Gen. Vikum Liyanage, Commander North Central Naval Area Rear Admiral Sanjeewa Dias, Military Liaison Officer of the Ministry of Defence Brig. Dinesh Nanayakkara, Senior military officers, project officers and engineers, architects, artists and donors were also present among the gathering.
