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The Mahanayake’s passing an irreplaceable loss to the Buddhist world– President Sirisena
The remains of the Mahanayake Thera lying at Independence Square
The cremation of the Mahanayaka of the Amarapura Maha Nikaya, the most Venerable Davuldena Sri Gnanissara Thera was held onThursday afternoon at Independence Square, Colombo with full state honours.
Expressing his condolences at the ceremony President Maithripala Sirisena stated that the demise of the Thera caused an irreplaceable loss to society and the Buddhist world. He also stated that the Mahanayaka Thera was an exemplary personality not only to Buddhists in the country but also to the whole world.
Many countries including China and USA expressed their condolences on the demise of the Mahanayaka. The tri forces paid a special military tribute.
Sri Gnanissara Thera rendered a great service to Buddhists for nearly 90 years as a priest. The erudite monk was proficient in many languages including Sinhala, Pali, Sanskrit, Hindi, English and Chinese and in History and Archaeology.
The Mahanayake was born in the Davuldena village in Uva- Paranagama on December 31, 1915 and completed his primary education at Medawala Maha Vidyalaya. Later he was ordained as Ven. Davuldena Sri Gnanissara Thera and entered the Maligakanda Vidyodaya Pirivena where he won the prestigious Shyamaraja prize in 1943. He also taught in many local and foreign Buddhist universities including the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka, Maligakanda Vidyodaya Pirivena and Chung Hua University, Taiwan.
He has been awarded a number of local and international honorary titles including Aggamaha Pan ditha, Sahithya Suri, Thripitakacharya, Bhashanthara Visharada, Jina Shasana Keerthi Sri Grantha Visharada, Dwibhasha Visharada, Sanskrutha Chakrawarthi and Rajakeeya Panditha.
The Mahanayake Thera was 102 years old at the time of his demise.
A devotee moved to tears as last rites are performed
Members of the Maha Sangha. Pix by Indika Handuwala