Defence Secretary lays foundation stone for proposed Pilgrims Hall at Deeghawapi Raja Maha Viharaya

Defence Secretary, General (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne laid the foundation stone for a proposed Pilgrims Hall (Vishrama Shala) at the Deeghawapi Raja Maha Viharaya on 15th October 2021. Sri Lanka Navy is to enable skilled manpower for the construction of this new building, in line with the development plan of the historic Deeghawapi Raja Maha Vihara.

The proposed building is to be put up with the financial assistance of the Deeghawapi Aruna Foundation and industrial expertise and manpower enabled by the Sri Lanka Navy, to provide accommodation for pilgrims visiting the Deeghawapi Raja Maha Viharaya. It is expected to complete construction of the ‘Pilgrims Hall’ by August 2022.

The spiritual event to lay the foundation stone was held in accordance with COVID-19 protocols to prevent possibilities of pandemic transmission. Members of Maha Sangha including Ven. Maha Oya Sobhita Thero, Commander Southeastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Jayantha Gamage, Deputy Area Commander, Commodore Asanka Ranasuriya and a limited group of state and Ministry of Defence senior officials and naval personnel attached to Southeastern Naval Command were present on this occasion.