Presidential Secretariat of Sri Lanka

Kotugoda Dhammawasa Maha Nayaka Thera dedicated himself for well-being of Sasana and country without compromising the traditions…..

-President states at the Cremation Ceremony

President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa says that Mahanayaka thero of the Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Nikaya, Most Ven. Aggamaha Panditha Kotugoda Dhammawasa Thera dedicated himself to resolve national and religious issues in the country without compromising the traditions of the Sasana.

The President states that the Mahanayaka thero has always exhorted the Government and Heads of State to establish a country full of consolation and tranquillity.

President Rajapaksa paid this tribute addressing the cremation ceremony of the Most Venerable Aggamaha Panditha Kotugoda Dhammawasa Thero of the Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Nikaya at Independence Square, Colombo this afternoon (25).

Upon arriving at the cremation ground President paid his last respects to the remains of the Most Venerable Kotugoda Dhammawasa Maha Nayaka Thera.

Mahanayaka thero was born on January 26th of 1933 at Kotugoda near Attanagallu Oya in Dasiyapattu, Aluthkuru Korale and at his demise he was 88 years old. Nayaka thero entered priesthood at the age of 14 and was ordained Upasampada in 1954 at the age of 20.

After having his education at the Paramadhamma Chethiya Pirivena in Ratmalana and Vidyodaya Pirivena in Maligakanda, Mahanayaka thero rendered a noble service to the Buddha Sasana for more than seven decades. He was the Anunayaka, Co-Registrar, Registrar and finally the Mahanayaka of the Amarapura Maha Nikaya and served the society and the Buddhist community till his demise. He delivered a large number of sermons on radio and television and in addition to a number of Dhamma books he authored.

“I have visited the late Mahanayaka thero on many occasions as Secretary of Defense, Head of State and as a member of the Dhayaka Sabha as well. In each of these instances, he exhorted me to engage in providing social welfare and helping the people.” President added.

The kindness and composure of the Mahanayake Thero was felt not only by adults but also by children as well. President Rajapaksa highlighted that With the Mahanayake Thero’s fame and reputation gradually increasing worldwide, he was inclined more and more compassionate towards the society, and closer and kind to the members of the Dhayaka Sabha.

President added that Mahanayaka thero’s voice, his style of speaking coincided with his benevolence in his heart. “The Mahanayake Thero was engaged in propagating the Dhamma in villages as well as in foreign countries. We all know that he brought reputation to our country as well as to the Buddhist world.” President noted.

The cremation ceremony of the Most Ven. Kotugoda Dhammawasa Nayaka Therawas held with full state honors.

Maha Sangha led by Mahanayake, Anunayake Theros, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, other religious leaders, former President Maithripala Sirisena, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, Ministers, Governors, Ambassadors, Foreign delegates, Chairman of the Amarapura Nikayarakshaka Dhayaksa Sabha Ajitha De Zoysa and other devotees were present at the cremation ceremony.

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