KANDY : Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) visited the Sri Dalada Maligawa today (April 16) to assess the preliminary arrangements for the upcoming special exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic, scheduled to be open to the public from April 18 to 27.
Following a directive from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the special exposition will commence on April 18, allowing public viewing from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thereafter, from April 19 to 27, the relic will be on display daily from 12:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The Defence Secretary expressed his appreciation to the Mahanayake Theros for granting this rare spiritual opportunity to the Buddhist community after a lapse of 16 years. He highlighted that the faithful across Sri Lanka deeply value the chance to venerate the Sacred Tooth Relic within their lifetime.
He further noted the expectation of massive public turnout, with hundreds of thousands anticipated to attend over the ten-day period. The Defence Secretary underscored the collective responsibility to ensure the public can engage in worship without disruption and affirmed the government’s full commitment to facilitating a smooth and respectful experience for all. Accordingly, he assured the Maha Sangha, led by the Mahanayake Theros, that the tri-forces and the police are collaboratively implementing a comprehensive security program to safeguard the public. He further stated that all necessary arrangements have already been made to ensure the uninterrupted provision of essential services and basic facilities. The Defence Secretary also carried out an inspection tour to assess the facilities provided by the tri-forces for devotees visiting to pay homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic.
The Defence Secretary was accompanied by the Commander of the Army, Commander of the Security Forces Headquarters (Central), General Officer Commanding of the 11 Division, Senior DIG of the Central Province and a delegation of senior officers from the tri-services.
