(LANKAPUVATH | COLOMBO) – The sacred relics and treasures were ceremoniously deposited at the historic Neelagiri Maha Seya under the auspices of the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, General Kamal Guneratne (Retd.) today (15 July 2024).
The SLAF undertook the restoration of Nilagiri Maha Seya, located in Lahugala, following instructions from the Ministry of Defence. The Nilagiri Maha Seya, surrounded by the dense jungles of Lahugala National Park and is part of the Magul Maha Viharaya Lahugala. Recognized by the Archaeological Department as the largest stupa in the Eastern Province, it dates back to the 3rd century BC, standing at a height of 215 feet and a width of 104 feet.
During the ceremony, the Secretary of Defence deposited the relics in the Neelagiri Maha Seya, amidst the chanting of ‘Seth Pirith’ by the Maha Sangha. Simultaneously, a Bell-212 helicopter from the SLAF showered flowers from the air as floral tributes were offered.
The event was honoured by the presence Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya Mahopadhya, Sri Lanka Kalayani Yogasrama Samstha Main Advisor, the Most Venerable Pahalavitiyala Janananda Anunayaka Thero, the Chief of the Na Uyana Forest Monastery, Kammattanachariya Most Venerable Angulgamuwe Ariyananda Thero, the Supreme Head of Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya, Most Venerable Makulewe Wimala Mahanayake Thero along with the Venerable Maha Sangha. Other notable attendees included the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Director General Civil Security Department, Air Vice Marshal Roshan Biyanwila, Director General of Archaeology, Prof. Thusitha Mendis, Chairperson of the SLAF Seva Vanitha Unit, members of the Air Force Board of Management, Commanding Officer of SLAF Station Ampara, senior tri-forces officers and many other dignitaries.
