The religious ceremony organised for the depositing of treasures at the Square Chamber of the Sandahiru Stupa will be held on March 28.
Defence Secretary Gen. Kamal Gunaratne (Rtd) said last week that having completed the construction of Hemispherical Dome of the gigantic Stupa, the Square Chamber construction will be commenced following the depositing of treasures.
Retired Gen. Gunaratne told the media at the Defence Ministry, that “the opportunity is available for devotees around the country to offer their treasures for this noble cause from March 20 to 27 at the temple” adding that “a special committee has been appointed to collect treasures from the public.”
The families of fallen War Heroes will have the opportunity to offer treasures if any, in memory of their beloved ones, he told the media.
Plans are afoot for exposition of the Crest-Gem and the Minaret around the country in a religious procession for public veneration, he said.
The Defence Secretary said that the gigantic sacred Stupa which is only second to Ruwanweliseya would be vested in public in November 2021.
The labour support extended by devotees from various parts of the country prior to the Covid-19 outbreak was also recalled during the session.
“The 24/7 working process would be continued for the 39 feet height Square Chamber erection”, he said, adding that “ the Cylindrical Neck is over 23 feet in height, while Conical Spire takes 73 feet of the Stupa. The Crest-Gem is 3 feet in height, he said. The Sandahiru Seya construction which was initiated on the directive of the fifth Executive President of the country and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, in appreciation of the services rendered by the Security Forces personnel to rid the country of terrorism, said “It was built with the contribution of Tri-Forces personnel, devotees and donors”.
The Military Liaison Officer of the Defence Ministry Brig. Dinesh Nanayakkara, Director Media Col. Chandima Kumarasinghe, Ministry officials and a large gathering of media personnel were present at the media briefing.