Chief Incumbent of Sithulpawwa passes away

Ven. Metaramba Hemarathane Thera, Chief Incumbent of the Sithulpawwa Raja Maha Vihara and Chief Sanghanayake of the Malwatta Chapter, passed away at the age of 83.

Nanayakkara Gamage Nelson, born in Metaramba to Ahangama Nanayakkara Gamage Jemis Nanayakkara and Akmeemana Palliya Guruge Alice Nona, received his primary education at Yatagala Malcolm Vidyalaya.

At six years old, he joined the order as Ven. Metaramba Hemarathana, under the guidance of Chief Incumbents Ilukpitiye Jinarathana, Ven. Watthehene Rathanasara, and Ven. Wattehene Piyarathana Theras.

Ven. Hemarathana Thera, previously the Chief Incumbent of eight temples including Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Vihara, and Magulmaha Viharaya, also held the position of Chief Sanghanayake in the Southern Province.

Ven. Hemarathana Thera, a dedicated literary scholar, has written numerous books on Buddhist culture, religion, and literature.

The Dayaka Sabha representative has announced that arrangements for cremation will be announced at a later time.