US, China express condolences over demise of most venerable Davuldena Sri Gnanissara thero

United States (US) and China today expressed condolences over the death of Most Venerable Aggamaha Pandita Davuldena Gnanaissara Thero, Mahanayake of Amarapura Maha Nikaya. He passed away yesterday at the age of 102. 

"On behalf of the people of the United States, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Government and the people of Sri Lanka on the passing of the Chief Prelate of the Amarapura Chapter, Most Venerable Davuldena Gnanissara Mahanayake Thero," said U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Atul Keshap.

"Sri Lankans and Americans who knew the late Mahanayake respected his ceaseless efforts to improve the lives of all Sri Lankans through his advocacy for peace and reconciliation based upon the teachings of Lord Buddha." he said.

Meanwhile the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China said that Most Ven. Aggamaha Pandita Davuldena Gnanaissara with many attainments is a Buddhist scholar and proficient in many languages including Chinese. 

"He is highly respected by the world Buddhist community. As a good friend of the Chinese Buddhist Community, he visited China a number of times and has played an important role in promoting the Buddhist exchange and cooperation between China and Sri Lanka. Most Ven. Aggamaha Pandita Davuldena Gnanaissara’s demise is a great loss not only to Sri Lanka but also to the world,'” the Embassy said.