Mahiyangana officially proclaimed as place of worship

The historic Mahiyangana Sacred site has been offically proclaimed as a place of worship by President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday.   

The President bestowed the momentous proclamation to Most Venerable Urulewatte Sri Dhammarakhitha Thera, the Senior Karaka Sangha Sabhika of Mahavihara Vamsika Shyamopali Maha Nikaya Asgiri Vihara, officially recognizing the historic Mahiyangana sacred site as a place of worship.  

President Wickremesinghe also unveiled a commemorative plaque honouring this remarkable achievement.  
During his visit, President Wickremesinghe actively participated in the restoration work of the sacred site, receiving blessings from the esteemed Chief Incumbent, Urulewatte Dhammasiddhi Thera.   

He offered floral tributes at the Chaitya and engaged in religious rituals to commemorate the occasion.  
A highlight of the event was the unveiling of a majestic 102-foot Buddha statue situated in the middle of Villuva Lake. The awe-inspiring creation was brought to life by the “Meth Saviya Mind Education, Compassion Society,” led by Mr. Chandana Jayaratne, a distinguished Astronomer and Professor of Physics at the University of Colombo.   

Expressing gratitude, Chief Incumbent Urulewatte Dhammarakkhitha Thera presented President Wickremesinghe with a memento. In his welcome address at the Punya Mahotsava, Urulewatte Dhammarakkhitha Thera highlighted the historical significance of President Wickremesinghe’s efforts in renovating the Mahiyangana sacred site, emphasizing his unique initiative as the executive president.  

The event witnessed the presence of notable dignitaries, including Most Ven. Warakagoda Gnanarathana Maha Nayaka Thera, the Mahanayaka of the Asgiri Chapter, Shyamopali sect; the head of the historic Badulu Muthiyangana Rajamaha Viharaya; the Anunayaka of the Malwatu Maha Viharaya, Aggamaha Pandita, Most Ven. Dr. Niyangoda Wijithasiri Anunayaka; the Venerable Anamaduwe Dhammadassi Anu Nayaka of the Asgiri Maha Viharaya; and the Malwathu-Asgiri Ubhaya Maha Vihara Anu Nayaka Thera.  

Among the distinguished attendees were Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, ministers Wijeyadasa Rajapaksha, Nimal Siripala de Silva, Vidura Wickramanayake, and Minister of State Tenuka Vidanagamage. Senior Presidential Adviser on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayake, Uva Provincial Governor A.J.M. Muzamil, Vietnamese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Mrs. Ho Thi Thanh Truc, tribal leader Uruvarige Vannilatto, Diyawadana Nilame of the Dalada Maligawa Pradeep Nilanga Dela, Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva, Inspector General of Police Mr. C.D. Wickramaratne, and a group of invited guests, including representatives of the security forces, were also in attendance.     

• A highlight of the event was the unveiling of a majestic 102-foot Buddha statue situated in the middle of Villuva Lake