Ceremony to mark 78th b’day of Maha Nayaka

By Isuri Kaviratne

A ceremony to mark the 78th birthday of the Maha Nayaka of the Siyam sect Asgiri Chapter, Ven. Udugama Buddharakkhitha Thera will be held today (Sunday), March 18 at 4 p.m. at the Sri Sambodhi Viharaya, Colombo 7.

He was awarded the Agga Maha Panditha last week by the Myanmar government in recognition of his social and religious work that has been appreciated nationally and internationally as well.

The Maha Nayaka is one of the two main theras in charge of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. He has helped the poor all over the country. During the tsunami disaster he helped both lay people and monks in tsunami-affected areas by providing them with their material needs and spiritual guidance.

Under the guidance of the Chief Thera of Sri Sambodhi Viharaya, Ven. Daranagama Kusaladhamma Thera, the dayaka Sabha led by Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva are organising the celebrations. Students of Royal College, D. S. Senanayake College, Ananda College, Nalanda College, Visaka Vidyalaya and Musaeus College will be performing in the bethi gee prasangaya at the Viharaya premises. Maha Nayakas, government officials and diplomats are expected to attend.