Attributing radicalisation, re-emergence of terrorism, separatism, religious extremism, organised crimes, drug trafficking and internal disturbances like strikes to main challenges, Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne said the Government was well geared and in full focus to ensure countrynational security.

The new Ududumbara ‘Samatha Vidarashana& Meditation Centre complex, erected in scenic mountainous Udapitiwala terrain, off Ududumbara was vested in the Maha Sangha this morning (29) during a religious ceremony, graced by Most Ven Warakagoda Gnanaratanabhidhana Nayake Thera, Maha Nayake of Asgiriya Chapter, Most Ven Narampanawe Ananda Thera, Deputy Registrar for Asgiriya Chapter and Parivenadipathi for Asgiriya Pirivena, reputed monks and a host of distinguished guests, inclusive of the Diyawadana Nilame (DN) of the Sri Dalada Maligawa, Nilanga Dela Bandara, acting Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Police for Central Province Roshan Fernando, et al.

The new complex, complete with meditation cottages, monasteries for monks, alms halls and all other facilities, etc, saw its fruition after the land was donated by the former senior (retired) DIG Nimal Mediwaka and his family to the ‘Sasana&.

Chief prelates, members of the Maha Sangha and the daydistinguished guests on arrival at the nearby Kuluntenna junction was conducted in a procession, coloured by ‘Ves& dancers. En route they joined the cornerstone-laying event for the new shrine at Kaluntenna Wimaladharma Maha Vidyalaya premises and the formal handover of a new house, built for a helpless family in the area.

At the auspicious minute at 9.45 am, Most Ven Warakagoda Gnanarathana Maha Nayake Thero cut a ribbon and opened the main meditation complex after Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva unveiled a plaque to the same effect in the presence of the monks and other visitors. After offerings were made to the Buddha, Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva and others went round the premises and saw for themselves of the new constructions, together with monks.

The visiting acting CDS and Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva also received blessings from several prominent Nayake monks during his pause in the complex. Those monks also wished him good luck and strength to overcome challenges that lie ahead of him and the country alike.

A large representative gathering of most leading monks, belonging to all schools of Buddhist teaching and sects were present during the ceremony.

• First meeting in Galle
• On the spot solutions to some issues

The first of the series of District Coordinating Committee Meetings was held in Rajagiri Len Viharaya, Homadola, Udugama in the Galle District today (27) under the patronage of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.