The Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil attended the first ever “Katina Poojawa” (ritual offering of new robes) of the Sandahiru Seya organised yesterday evening (03 November 2022) which is the second largest hemispherical stupa in Sri Lanka located in Anuradhapura. The sacred Katina was then carried in a charm procession to the temple at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya premises, Anuradhapura.
The foundation stone for the Sandahiru Seya was laid in the year 2010 and erected to signify the liberation of the country from the clutches of the LTTE and as an appreciation of the noble service and sacrifices made by the valiant soldiers of the armed forces and Police during the Humanitarian Operation.
The construction of the great stupa was continued ever since under a number of Commanders and it was unveiled to the devotees on 18 November 2021 when General Shavendra Silva as the Commander of the Army who ensured to expedite the construction process.
This occasion of “Katina Poojawa” was graced with the presence of Secretary Defence as the Chief Guest where Tri Service Commanders, senior military officers and many devotees attended. This meritorious religious event was also blessed with the presence of many Buddhist monks from the area including the designated Atamasthanadhipathi, Ven.Pallegama Hemarathana Thero. Following the rituals, this morning the “Heel Dayanaya” was offered to the Maha Sangha under the guidance of Secretary Defence.
