Secretary Defence Opens Dharmashala Hall of Vajirarama Temple
Fulfilling a long felt necessity, Secretary Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa declared open the refurbished new 'Dharmashala Hall' of the Sri Vajirarama temple in Bambalapitiya on Tuesday (Nov.24).
Chairperson of Seva Vanitha Unit (SVU) of the Ministry of Defence Mrs. Ioma Rajapaksa was also present at the opening ceremony.
Over 110 year old Bambalapitiya Sri Vajirarama temple which was built by the Ven. Dharmadhara Palene Sri Vajiragnana thero in 1901 is one of the most illustrious seats of religious learning in the capital city. A commemorative plaque mentioning the name of the founding chief prelate was also unveiled by the Secretary Defence during the session.
Since, the previous Dharmashala Hall which had been using since the commencement of the temple was found in a dilapidated condition, steps were taken to renovate on the request of the Chief Prelate Most Ven. Ananda Thero. Accordingly, Sri Lanka Navy was assigned the renovation process while preserving its olden architecture which relates to an ancient time of a century.
In the meantime, offerings of obeisance to 28 past Buddhas (auspicious atavisi buddha pooja) was held and the event was preceded over by the Agga Maha Panditha Most Venerable Dr. Dauldena Siri Gnanissara Thero.
Chief of Defence Staff General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Jayantha Perera accompanied by Navy's SVU Chairperson Mrs. Shalika Perera, senior state and military officials and a large number of devotees were present at the occasion.
