The ceremony of presenting, the official decree of Sannas Patra in appointing the Chief Judicial Sanghanayaka of the Kurunegala Province of Sri Lanka Amarapura Siri Saddhamma Yukthika Mathara Maha Nikaya to the Venerable Thissawa Sumanananda Nayaka Thero was held on today (26) at Karathana Gal lena Viharaya.
Following the reading of the official decree by the Chief Secretary to the Sri Lanka Amarapura Siri Saddhamma Yukthika Matara Maha Nikaya, Venerable Beragama Wimalatissa Thero, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya presented the Sannas Patra to Venerable Thissawa Sumanananda Thero. The presentation of the Vijinipatha, a ceremonial fan, was carried out by Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Irrigation, Namal Karunaratne.
Delivering the monastic oration at the ceremony, the Chief Secretary to the Asgiri Buddhist monastery of the Shyamopali Maha Nikaya, Prof. Thumulle Silakkhanda Thero stated:
"Venerable Thissawa Sumanananda Thero has been recognized as an outstanding young monk who has demonstrated a strong presence in both regional and national religious activities. After succeeding the venerable senior monk of this historic Karathana Gallena Viharaya, Sumanananda Thero has been the chief incumbent for over twenty years. During this period, he has completed the infrastructure of the temple, elevated the Dhamma school to a high standard, and shown remarkable dedication to fulfilling his religious duties, earning widespread respect and admiration."
Addressing at the event, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:
"Venerable Thissawa Sumanananda Thero is a monk who has rendered invaluable service to the entire nation, bringing pride to our country. Entering the monastic order at a young age, he received his primary education under the senior monks and later graduated from the Anuradhapura Bhikkhu University. The venerable Thero took charge of the Karathana Gallena Viharaya which was under developed at that time and, with the support of local devotees, developed it significantly. Beyond providing religious education to local children through Dhamma school, venerable Thero initiated in delivering free English and computer education programs.
We gratefully remember contributions of venerable Thissawa Sumanananda Thero during all major crises, from the 2004 tsunami disaster to the COVID-19 pandemic, where he worked tirelessly for the welfare of affected communities.
The leadership and service of Venerable Thissawa Sumanananda Thero in national and religious activities, and his guidance within national politics as well, deserve the highest respect and appreciation.”
The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Chief Prelate to the Sri Lanka Amarapura Siri Saddhamma Yukthika Matara Maha Nikaya, Venerable Kendaliyadde Paluwe Sirinandabhidhana Thero, along with a large gathering of the Maha Sangha, the Governor to the North Western Province Tissa Warnasuriya, Members of Parliament Dharmapriya Dissanayake and Sujeewa Dissanayake, public representatives, and a number of local residents.
Prime Minister’s Media Division