Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne auspiciously unveiled the pinnacle of the restored Stupa at the Sapumalgaskada Raja Maha Vihara, Vavunia and vested it on the Venerable Maha Sanga on Saturday (Aug 31). Gen. Gunaratne graced the ceremony at the invitation of the Northern Provincial Chief Sanghanayake Ven. Galgamuwa Santabodhi Nayaka Thero.
The Sapumalgaskada Raja Maha Vihara is the only Stupa that has been restored in the Vavunia District in recent times, among the thousands of Buddhist shrines located in the Northern Province that were in decline during the last war in Sri Lanka.
The restoration project was undertaken by the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) and Civil Security Department (CSD) under the guidance of Ven. Galgamuwa Santabodhi Nayaka Thero and supervision of the Ministry of Defence and Department of Archaeology. General Gunaratne also unveiled the plaque of the newly constructed ‘Awasa Geya’ at the monastery premises and bestowed upon the Venerable Maha Sanga.
According to legend, the tooth relic of Buddha is said to have been brought to Sri Lanka from the port of Lankapatuna in Trincomalee and on its journey to Anuradhapura, the procession passed through Sapumalgaskada. Therefore, the renovation of this ancient sacred site has continuously benefited from the generous contributions of philanthropic and devout Buddhists.
While conducting the humanitarian operation to free the nation from brutal terrorism, it was observed that many such historical sites have been destroyed. Hence, the restoration work of the historic Sapumalgaskada Raja Maha Vihara was carried out as another phase of the development project that is being carried out utilizing the labour and technical expertise of the SLA and CSD to restore the Buddhist shrines for the pilgrimage of Buddhist devotees. General Gunaratne mentioned it in his speech at the ceremony.
The Defence Secretary went on to say that the prominent restoration projects that have been completed or are presently in progress with the full contribution of the Tri-Forces and CSD include Sadahiru Stupa Anuradhapura, Kurundi Vihara Mulathivu, Deegawapiya Raja Maha Vihara Ampara and Neelagiri Stupa Lahugala. Additionally, he stated that future development projects of this kind will be made possible by the generous contributions of the Tri-Forces and CSD.
Venerable Maha Sanga, devout Buddhist philanthropists, including Mr. Jagath Sumathipala, officers from SLA, Police and CSD, Department of Archaeology officials and local devotees were present at the ceremony.
