Sandahiru Seya treasures deposited amidst religious blessings

By Dayaratne Embogama - Anuradhapura   

The depositing of treasures and sacred relics at the Sandahiru Stupa Square Chamber was held auspiciously amidst the religious blessings of the Maha Sanga at the Stupa premises in the sacred city of Anuradhapura yesterday.   

A large collection of precious artefacts and sacred relics offered by Ven. Maha Sanga and devotees around the country along with an engraved stone inscription depicting a comprehensive details of the Stupa with its dimensions, were deposited during the historic religious ceremony.   

The driving force behind the project, Defence Secretary and the Chairperson of ‘Archaeological Heritage Management Presidential Task Force’ for Eastern Province, Gen. Kamal Gunaratne (Rtd) offered a coffer containing the sacred relics to the Maha Sanga after arriving at the Square Chamber of the Maha Stupa.   
Ven. Maha Sanga deposited all the relics and treasures accordingly while observing the religious proceedings during the occasion.   
The three and a half-foot high crest-gem designed to be placed at the tip of the Conical Spire embedded with precious stones and gold was offered to Atamasthana Chief Prelate Ven. Dr. Pallegama Siriniwasa Thera by Mr. Arthur Senanayake, a devotee and a patron of the sacred construction.   

Defence Secretary Gen. Kamal Gunaratne was the chief guest of the occasion.   
The treasures and the precious stone Chuda Manikya adorning the pinnacle of the Cheithiya were brought in a colourful procession to the venue of the ceremony.   

Delivering the Anusasana, Chief Adikarana Sanghanayaka of the North and North Central Provinces and Chief Incumbent of the Lankaramaya Ven. Ralapanawe Dhammajoti Thera said that building a Cheithiya as a mark of gratitude to the security forces, fulfilled a need of the hour. 

He praised President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa for building a Cheithiya following the foot steps of the ancient kings.   

Addressing the gathering, the Defence Secretary said the Cheithiya was a project funded by the Ranaviru fund for which the security forces provided free labour. 

He pointed out that it would be reminiscent of the glory of the nation.   

The Defence Secretary Gen. Kamal Gunaratne followed by the commanders of security forces and several politicians placed treasures in the Cheithiya. The Maha Sangha including Chief Incumbent of the Anuradhapura Atamasthana temples Ven. Pallegama Siriniwasa and Ven, Inamaluwe Sumangala Theras and several senior officials were present at the occasion.