Buddha Statue unveiling today

Aluthgama group correspondent

ALUTHGAMA: The 107 cubit Buddha Statue of Bhoomi Sparsha Mudra built at the Kehttarama Kandeviharaya in Koluwamodara, Aluthgama to mark the 2550th Sambuddha Jayanthi will be ceremonially unveiled by Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake today at 2.30 p.m.

A Daham Hamuwa will follow presided by the Most Ven. Tibbotuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Maha Nayaka Thera of the Malwatte Chapter. Ven. Maha Sangha of the three Nikayas, Speaker W.J.M. Lokubandara, Deputy Speaker Geethanjana Gunawardena, Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, Ministers, Parliamentarians, provincial and Local Councillors and Members of the Diplomatic Corps will participate.

A Sathi Pirith Pinkama organised at the Viharaya in this connection with the blessings of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Kande Viharadhipathi Ven. Batuwanhene Buddharakhita, Chief Sangha Nayaka Thera of Bentara Walallavita Korale and Ven. Yatadolawatte Ariyawansa and the sponsorship of Foreign Employment Promotion Minister and Post and Telecommunication Deputy Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena and Beruwala Divisional Secretary U.D.C. Jayalal commenced on January 3.

It will conclude with a Sanghika Dana to 400 members of the Maha Sangha on January 8 forenoon. A Devadutha Perahera will be held on January 9 at 2 p.m. followed by the Dorakada Ashna Chanting the same night. The Pinkama will conclude with a Heel Dana to Bhikkhus on January 10 morning.