The Mihindu Parinirwana national ceremony will be held at Mihintale on October 23, under State patronage to mark the 2280th anniversary of Arahath Mahinda Thera’s parinirvana (passing away). It is organised under the auspices of Mihintale Raja Maha Viharadhipathi Ven. Dr.Walawahangunuwewe Dhammarathana Nayaka Thera.
The Airforce will shower jasmine flowers on the Mahaseya and Mihintale precincts, while President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will lay the foundation stone to mark the inauguration of renovation work on the Maha Seya.
A series of pinkamas under the auspices of Ven. Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thera, the founder of the Mahamewuna Asapuwa and 1,000 bhikkhus will be held till 10.00pm on the same day. The ceremony will be telecast by the Shraddha Rupavahini.
Restoration work will also include Mihindu Cave, the road leading to the cave, dharmashala, shrine room and Mihintale Seya.