Defence Secretary to open relics observation dais at Buddhangala today

A special relics observation dais constructed by the Sri Lanka Navy at the historic Buddhangala Raja Maha Viharaya will be ceremonially declared open by the Defence and Urban Development Ministry Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa today.

The sturdy relics observation dais with a safety railing has been constructed with financial and labour contributions rendered by the Sri Lanka Navy Buddhist Association under the direction of the Defence Secretary and the Navy Commander Vice Admiral Somathilake Dissanayake.

It allows devotees to pay homage to the relics enshrined in the historic chaitiya conveniently.

The special dais replaces the improvised structure, which was used earlier for the annual public worship of the much-revered relics.

Thousands of Buddhists worship the Buddhangala chaitiya which has been constructed atop a rock enshrining the sacred relics believed to be of Lord Buddha and his chief disciples. The newly constructed relics observation dais fulfills one of the long-felt needs of the thousands of pilgrims.

Buddhangala is one of the projects carried out by the Sri Lanka Navy to uplift infrastructure facilities at religious places for the benefit of devotees.

Naval personnel have throughout, provided voluntary contributions for the meritorious acts showing their religious devotion in order to build religious harmony among all communities of diverse religious faiths

-RD