Merit-filled B'day

Ruwanthi Abeyakoon

Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa celebrated his 63rd birthday yesterday on a meritorious note. The donation of a two storeyed residential building for Buddhist monks at Eeyamporuwa Rajamaha Viharaya, Kotte was in the forefront of the many events lined up for the day.

Eeyamporuwa Rajamaha Viharaya, one of the oldest temples in Sri Lanka, is revered by the villagers.

The temple which was unknown to many was made known by the Defence Secretary when he developed the road leading towards the viharaya a year ago.

A residential building for monks had been a necessity of the viharaya for a long period. The Defence Secretary noticing this deficiency donated this building, put up with the sponsorship of Sri Lanka Navy.

He also observed religious activities which included lighting of 101 oil lamps. Alms were given to 101 monks. The many villagers who are involved in agriculture in the area gathered to receive one of the 1,000 dry ration packs that were distributed. Thousand spectacles, 200 contact lenses and 20 wheelchairs were also distributed among the needy. The function was organised by Venerable Aluthnuwara Sumatissa Thera, Chief Incumbent of Lankaramaya in America and Venerable Aluthnuwara Chandima Thera, Chief Incumbent of Eeyamporuwa Rajamaha Viharaya. Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, Speaker Chamal Rajapksa, Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare Minister Dilan Perera, Navy Commander Vice Admiral Somathilake Dissanayake, Air Force Commander Air Marshal Harsha Abeywickrama, Defence Ministry's Seva Vanitha Unit Chairperson Ayoma Rajapaksa and other dignitaries also participated.