Sacred relics enshrining in Sanda-hiru Seya
 
 

The enshrining of the sacred relics in the Sanda-hiru Seya took place on 23^rd November 2014 under the patronage of His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa amidst the blessings of the Maha Sangha. The Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Jayantha Perera, Mrs. Shalika Perera, the Chief of Staff of the Navy Rear Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne, the Commander North Central Naval Area Rear Admiral Dimuthu Gunawardhane and senior naval officers were also among the thousands of devotees that attended the religious ceremony held in accordance with time-honoured traditions and customs.

The sacred relics to be deposited were carried to the venue in a colourful procession which commenced from the official residence of His Excellency the President at Temple Trees. The motorcade proceeded via Kandy allowing public veneration for the people that lined up in great numbers along the streets. A special religious ceremony was also held at the Dalada Maligawa under the patronage of the Navy to invoke blessings on the sacred relics, which were carried in a decorated Ransivi Ge designed by the Navy.

The Sanda-hiru Seya is being built in the sacred city of Anuradhapura on a concept of His Excellency the President in tribute to the noble sacrifices made by war heroes to liberate the country from terrorism. The construction is being carried out by the members of the Sri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Air Force, Sri Lanka Police and the Civil Defence Force under the direction of the Secretary of Defence Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

A cross section of naval personnel carrying sacred objects, led by the Commander of the Navy bearing the golden Buddha statue offered by the Navy to be deposited in the inner sanctum of the stupa, also took part in the sacred relics ushering procession. His Excellency the President deposited the sacred relics in the relics chamber amidst the chanting of Seth Pirith.

The mammoth edifice would stand as a majestic monument in commemoration of the grand Victory over evil forces. Many a generation, who will stand in veneration before the Sanda-hiru Seya, will remember with gratitude the bravery of the valiant Security Forces personnel who fought relentlessly, foregosing personal comforts to uproot a cruel terrorism from the Sri Lankan soil. The lasting peace ushered in to the island-nation with immense sacrifices has today paved the way for all ethnic groups to live in communal harmony.

The Tripitaka containing sacred Buddhist religious scriptures, inscribed on gold sheets offered by the Army, was also among the sacred objects deposited in the stupa which will rise to an adorning height of 285 feet when the construction is completed within the scheduled three years. The spiritual solace that will dawn on the worshippers will enlighten their hearts, instilling the universal value of spreading the message of peace among fellow human beings. That, then, will be the fitting tribute to all contributing to the endeavour.