Secretary to the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Sampath Thuyacontha arrived in Kandy for a two day visit yesterday (22) to inspect security and welfare measures in place for devotees attending the ‘Siri Dalada Wandanawa’.

The special exposition, initiated by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake after 16 years, is held 18 to 27 April, attracting thousands of local and international Buddhist devotees.

Accordingly, the Defence Secretary reviewed ongoing security and welfare operations led by the Tri-Forces, Police, and Civil Defence personnel, commending their efforts and urging enhanced services to minimise public inconvenience.

He also thanked philanthropists for supporting the visiting devotees and emphasised the shared responsibility of ensuring safety and comfort during this rare spiritual event.