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A nation pays tribute amidst a sea of white and yellow
The gloomy, evening reflected the sombre mood of the thousands who had gathered to pay their last respects to Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thera, a renowned monk, scholar and political activist. The cremation of his mortal remains was held at Parliament Grounds on Thursday.
A moment to reflect: Religious dignitaries of different faiths
The National flag hoisted mid mast fluttered against a grey at the event that will be recorded in Sri Lanka’s history as the first time when an ordinary citizen was given a funeral with full state honours.
Those gathered who hailed Ven. Sobitha Thera a national figure welcomed the move by the government.
The casket bearing the monk’s body was brought from Kotte Sri Naga Viharaya, where he resided for nearly six decades, amidst a sea of white as devotees all in white filed behind the cortege towards Parliament grounds.
The funeral procession that left the Viharaya around 1 p.m. was accompanied by Buddhist monks, students carrying floral tributes and thousands of mourners.
Yellow flags were hoisted along the roadside of the cortege route while mourners lining the route also held up yellow flags. A helicopter flew overhead showering white flowers over the slowly proceeding cortege. Nearly 2000 police officers were deployed to manage traffic and security.
Silent tribute
Before his mortal remains were cremated they lay at the Kotte Sri Naga Viharaya, where thousands flocked to pay their respects to a beloved monk. Other religious leaders also organised events to honour the monk. A group of Muslims was seen distributing bottles of water to mourners outside the temple.
At Parliament grounds people of all ethnic groups, religious leaders, parliamentarians’ foreign dignitaries and members of the tri-forces awaited the prossession. Among the gathering were President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya and Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga.
Addressing the gathering at Parliament grounds President Sirisena said all Sri Lankans will miss Sobitha Thera and his commitment to foster social rights and religious harmonies.
The President said he and the present government were in power today because Sobitha Thera paved the way that laid the foundation for social justice and good governance.
“I pledge in front of his respected remains, that as he expected, I will do whatever I can to abolish the executive presidency,” the President declared.Also addressing the gathering Prime Minister Wickremesinghe said that the Thera worked hard to restore social justice in the country and even neglecting his health, while working to realize his dream.
He said as respect to the late monk the country should strive towards social justice and good governance.
President Maithripala Sirisena, Premier Ranil Wickremesinghe, Chandrika Kumaratunga, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya among others at Parliament grounds
“While remembering the service of Ven Maduluwawe Sobitha Thera and thanking him for his great service, I wish him Nivan Sepa (peace),” he concluded.
A statement by Opposition Leader R. Sambandan, read by Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, noted that it was a great misfortune for the country to lose a Buddhist monk of the stature of Ven. Thera. He said the ven. Monk fought those who opposed democracy.
While dedicating his life to Buddhism, Sobitha Thera also won the hearts of people of other religious groups, the statement said.
Meanwhile, statements by the Mahanayake Theras of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters, Ramanna Nikaya and Amarapura Nikaya were read out while leaders of other religious groups spoke.
Around 6. p.m. canons were fired as the crowd stood in silent prayer before the pyre was lit.
| Condolences from across the seas Dignitaries from across the world extended their condolences to Sri Lanka on the passing of Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thera. U.S. Ambassador Atul Keshap in a statement said the late Thera was respected for his efforts to nurture and protect democracy, promote respect for people of all faiths, and improve the lives of all Sri Lankans. Extending his condolences, China’s Ambassador Yi Xianliang in a letter addressed to Justice and Buddha Sasana Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said the Ven. Thera was deeply admired and loved by the people for his unremitting efforts in promoting Buddhism and social equity and harmony among the people. “As a good friend of the Chinese people and a patron of the Sri Lanka-China Buddhist Friendship Association, Ven. Sobitha Thera did his best to enhance mutual understanding between our two peoples and China- Sri Lanka traditional friendship.” Indian High Commissioner Y. K. Sinha in a statement said the Thera was a strong advocate of fostering spiritual and cultural ties that bind India and Sri Lanka. He said that Sobitha Thera worked tirelessly towards closer relations between the two countries and had visited India on numerous occasions. “As a leading member of the Mahasangha and civil society, he championed political reform, good governance and eradication of corruption. His valuable contribution to Sri Lanka will always be remembered,” he added. |
The cortege en route. Pix by Indika Handuwala
Devotees give vent to their grief
