Commander of the Navy presides enshrinement of sacred relics and unveiling of spire of Swarnapinda Chaithya in Kithulkote

The spiritual ceremony which saw the enshrinement of sacred relics in stupa and unveiling of spire of historic Swarnapinda Chaithya in Kithulkote was held under the patronage of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne and the President of Navy Seva Vanitha Unit, Mrs Chandima Ulugetenne at the Rathana Sadaham Meditation Center, Kithulkote in Thanamalwila on 18th September 2022. The meritorious deed was organized with the contribution of Sri Lanka Navy’s Buddhist Association.

Following the directives of Commander of the Navy, the construction of Swarnapinda Chaithya commenced on 05th August 2021. Thus, the project was carried out with manpower made available by the Navy and under the supervision of the Department of Archaeology. After successful completion of construction work of the stupa, the enshrinement of sacred relics and unveiling of the spire got underway, giving pride and place to Buddhist rituals, and it also marked the opening of Swarnapinda Chaithya for the veneration of devotees.

Prior to the apex of the spiritual event, Bodhi Puja and all-night Pirith Chanting were held with the attendance of Ven. Maha Sangha and devotees. Meanwhile, Commander of the Navy and President of Navy Seva Vanitha Unit called on the Chief Prelate of Rathana Sadaham Meditation Center, Ven. Walasmulle Gunarathna Thera on 17th September and received blessings. They took part in religious rituals and also attended the all-night Pirith Chanting that day.

Aside from the enshrinement of sacred relics and unveiling of the spire of Swarnapinda Chaithya, Commander of the Navy and President of Navy Seva Vanitha also presided over the Kapruk Pooja ceremony held in the morning of 18th September. The series of religious rituals came to an end with a mid-day alms giving for 54 members of Ven. Maha Sangha.

Rathana Sadhaham Meditation Center is famous among Buddhist devotees as Kithulkote Asapuwa. Sri Lanka Navy has been a partner of annual ‘Vas Aradhana Pinkama’ and ‘Katina Cheewara Poojawa’ of Rathana Sadhaham Meditation Center, with contribution made possible by its Buddhist Association.

Members of Ven. Maha Sangha, Chief of Staff of the Navy, Rear Admiral Priyantha Perera, Director General Engineering and President of Naval Buddhist Association, Rear Admiral Ravi Ranasinghe and senior officers of Navy Headquarters, Commander Southern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Harindra Ekanayake, executive committee members of Navy Seva Vanitha Unit, Deputy Area Commander of Southern Naval Area, Commodore Mahesh De Silva, officers and sailors from the Command, state officials and devotees were also present on this occasion.