Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the passing away of the Most Venerable Kappetiyagoda Siriwimala Anunayaka Thero, who rendered immeasurable service beyond the religious activities and extended his compassion to all people irrespective of race or religion, was an irreparable loss to Sri Lankan society as a whole.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the funeral ceremony of the Most Venerable Kappetiyagoda Siriwimala Anunayaka Thero, Anunayaka of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya and Chief Incumbent of the Rajopawanaramaya Temple in Gatambe, Kandy, 21 October.
The funeral ceremony of the Anunayaka Thero was held with full state honours at the Gatambe Grounds in Kandy.
Addressing the occasion, the Prime Minister further stated:
For a long period, the Venerable Thero worked with unwavering determination and courage towards the advancement of the Buddha Sasana and the preservation of monastic discipline. The leadership he provided in strengthening unity within the Nikaya while serving as the Anunayaka of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya, together with his dedicated service to the Buddha Sasana, serves as an example to all.
Going beyond religious activities, the Venerable Thero extended his support to people irrespective of their race or religion. He also played a pioneering role in protecting sites of archaeological significance in Sri Lanka.
During the tsunami disaster and the COVID-19 pandemic, he extended financial assistance to the President’s Fund to support relief efforts for the people. His exceptional contribution to society, alongside his service to the Buddha Sasana, reflected his deep commitment to the well-being of the people.
The passing away of the Venerable Thero, who stood for the well-being of society and provided guidance during national and religious crises, leaves a significant void. I urge young Buddhist monks and the younger generation to follow the selfless path of service pursued by the Venerable Thero, who dedicated more than half a century of his life to the Buddha Sasana.
The funeral ceremony was attended by the Most Venerable Makulǣwe Wimala Maha Nayaka Thero, Aggamaha Panditha and Maha Nayaka of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya; Anunayaka Theros representing the three Buddhist Nikayas and members of the Maha Sangha; Dr. Harsha Suranga Fernando, Governor of the Central Province; Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs; Deputy Ministers Gamagedara Dissanayake, Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni and Dr. Prasanna Gunasena; Members of Parliament; Uruwarige Wannila Aththo, the leader of the Indigenous community; and Ajith Premasinghe, Chief Secretary of the Central Province, along with a large number of invited guests and devotees.
Prime Minister’s Media Division