Hon. Prime Minister presents Deed of Gift to Nagadeepa Purana Raja Maha Viharaya

The Prime Minister Hon. Mahinda Rajapaksa presided over the occasion to present the “Pooja Bhoomi Sannasa” (Deed of Gift) to Nagadeepa Purana Raja Maha Viharaya in Jaffna on 19th March 2022. The event, which signified the declaration of the temple premises as a Pooja Bhumi, was attended by Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne.

Upon his arrival, the Hon. Prime Minister along with Commander of the Navy paid obeisance to the President of Amarapura Maha Sanga Sabha and Mahanayake of the Amarapura Chulaganthi Nikaya, Ven. Dr. Gamthune Assaji Thera and Chief Incumbent of Nagadeepa Purana Raja Maha Viharaya. Next, they paid homage to the ancient Buddhist temple. The highlight of the occasion was the presentation of the Deed of Gift to the temple. Accordingly, Hon. Prime Minister handed over the “Pooja Bhoomi Sannasa” to the Chief Incumbent of Nagadeepa Purana Rajamaha Viharaya and Chief Sanghanayake for Northern Province for Ambagahapitiya sect of the Amarapura Chapter, Most Ven. Nawadagala Padumakitti Tissa Thera.

Sri Lanka Navy looked into the arrangements for the successful conduct of the ceremony organized by the Amarapura Maha Sanga Sabha. Accordingly, the Navy made special arrangements for safe transportation of members of Ven. Maha Sangha, distinguished invitees, government officials and devotees by sea and provision of necessary facilities to them.

During the conflict period, the Navy made a significant contribution for the protection of the Nagadeepa Purana Raja Maha Viharaya and Nainathivu Island where the temple is located, with a view to protect this place of worship for devotees. Similarly, the Navy remains committed to provide security for this Pooja Bhoomi and islands in the Northern Province in the future as well.

The proceedings of the occasion were held adhering to COVID-19 protocols to prevent possibilities of transmission of the pandemic. Members of Ven. Maha Sangha, Ministers, government officials, Commander Northern Naval Area, senior officers from Tri-Services and a group of devotees were also present on the occasion.