Defence Secretary launches Deegawapiya Stupa Restoration Project

Sacred Relics exposition under consideration

The Deegawapiya Stupa will be restored to its former glory, pledged Defence Secretary, Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne.

Previous attempts towards this end were unsuccessful, he said, and added that the restoration process will be completed within three years.

The Defence Secretary was addressing the media at the launch of the Deegawapiya donation account ceremony at the Defence Ministry last week.

“We have opened an account dedicated to the Deegawapiya restoration project following parliamentary endorsement, and it will be launched officially on January 22, at Sri Sambodhi Viharaya, Colombo in a ceremony presided by the Maha Sanga under the guidance of the President and the Prime Minister”, he noted.

Gunaratne said the biggest challenge faced is the manufacture of standard bricks, the core material for the Stupa, its transport and the laying of 28,000 bricks on a daily basis.

He said 23 million standard bricks, 3,977 cubes of river sand, 30,167 bags of cement and other raw materials will be needed for restoration work.

“We look forward to financial assistance to procure the raw materials”, he noted.

Gunaratne said government funds will not be used for the restoration work. “This magnanimous effort requires approximately one billion rupees. Funds will be generated through devotees, local and foreign donors and all well-wishers.

He asked the print and electronic media to support the noble cause by disseminating the message to the public.

He said plans are afoot to structure the Sacred Stone-Paved Precincts (Salapathala Maluwa), a full-fledged Pilgrimage’s Rest House (Vishrama Shalawa) and to have a charming environment by planting saplings of Sal (shorea robusta) and ironwood.

The Defence Secretary said the sacred relics in a stone casket recently unearthed during excavation would be placed in the Stupa after the project is completed.

An exposition of the sacred relics will be held in Colombo and a few other towns for veneration after the coronavirus threat is mitigated in due course, he noted.

“Let’s restore and protect the sacred Stupa for devotees to pay homage and preserve it for future generations to see the pride of motherland”, he added.