Defence Secretary graces title presentation ceremony
February 27, 2022● Says reconstructed Deegawapiya stupa is expected to be vested for public veneration on Poson Poya, 2023
Defence Secretary Gen. Kamal Gunaratne graced the ceremony to present the honorary title of “Upadyaya” to venerable Welivitiye Sumana Nayaka Thero today (Feb 27).
The Sandahiru Seya stupa in Anuradhapura constructed by the tri services and Civil Security Department has been vested on the Maha Sangha while the Deegawapiya stupa is being reconstructed under direction and guidance of the President and Prime Minister and it is expected to vest it for public veneration on Poson Poya Day in 2023, Defence Secretary Gen. Kamal Gunaratne said so making the keynote address at the ceremony this evening.
The ceremony held at the Dutugemunu Raja Maha Viharaya in Ganegama, Baddegama this evening saw the “Vigini Patha (Religious Parchment) being presented to the venerable Thero by the Defence Secretary.
Most venerable Narampanawe Ananda Nayaka Thero of the Asgiriya Viharaya made the sermon.
Further speaking Gen. Gunaratne mentioned of the numerous services of the venerable Thero towards religious revival and social empowerment and said that the large gathering today speaks volumes of his service.
The Tsunami housing scheme in Ganegama and Sri Saranankara Training Center are among such great work carried out by the the Thero, he said and also added that he is also a prolific writer who had authored many books.
The Defence Secretary also mentioned of the Ministry of Defence initiated projects to reconstruct the Lahugala Neelagiri Viharaya and Mihintale Maha stupa.
Maha Sangha, religious dignitaries, Minister of Plantation Hon. Ramesh Pathirana, Members of Parliament, Director General of Civil Security Department and a large number of devotees were present at the ceremony.
