UK Buddhists bid farewell to the late chief prelate

Monks from other monastries in Britain paying their last respect to the remains of the late Ven. Vajiragnana Mahathera. Pic by Tissa Madawela

Amidst the chanting of paritta by fifty Buddhist monks, some 800 devotees gathered in a cold wintry afternoon at the West London Crematorium in Kensal Green, London last Thursday to bid farewell to the late Ven. Dr. Medagama Vajiragnana Mahathera, Chief Sangha Nayake of Great Britain.

The 78-year-old chief prelate passed away at the Hammersmith Hosptial in London on December 15.
Religious observances, including the pansakula, were held at the London Buddhist Vihara where the remains of the Mahathera were kept for the public to pay respect.

More than 100 Buddhist monks from monasteries in England, Sri Lanka, Europe and the United States participated in the relgious observances. The late Mahathera's sister and her family were also present. The Vihara premises overflowed with grieving devotees who came in their thousands to pay their last respects.

The deputy Head of the London Buddhist Vihara, Ven. Bogoda Seelavimala Thera, presented the anusasana. At the crematorium, dignitaries from Buddhist temples and other faith groups delivered funeral orations. Many spoke of the late Mahathera's dedication to the propagation of the Dhamma, his kindness towards every one who came to him for advice, assistance or guidance and his tireless commitment to the Inter-faith dialogue.

Sri Lankan High Commissioner Kshenuka Seneviratne read a special condolence message sent by President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Among others who spoke at the service were Ven. Prof. Bellanwila Wimalaratana Thera, Ven. Piyatissa Thera from New York Vihara, Ajhan Sumedho of the Amaravati Monastery, Nahiniwela Piyadassi, a member of the Supreme Committee of the Malwatte Chapter, Brian Pierece President of the Interfaith Network, Brian Appleyard Vice president of the Budddhist Society, and Sudanta Abeyakoon who read out the message from the Managing Trustees of the Anagarika Dharmapala Trust.

Dr. Lakdasa Panagoda, member of the London Buddhist Vihara Management Committee, delivered the vote of thanks. Chanting by Japanese monks from the Peace Pagoda at Battersea Park, London and chanting by Chinese nuns from Fo Guang Temple added colour and variation to the occasion.

The Mathaka Bana sermon was delivered by Ven. Kurunegoda Piyatissa Thera, a long term friend of the late prelate.