US & China extend condolences on the passing of Asgiriya Mahanayake

The United States (US) and China today extended condolences over the demise of the Chief Prelate of the Asgiriya Chapter Most Venerable Galagama Sri Aththadassi Thero who passed away yesterday at the age of 95.

"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 away of the Chief Prelate of the Asgiriya Chapter of the Siyam Maha Nikaya, Most Venerable Galagama Sri Aththadassi Thero." US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Atul Keshap said in a statement.

"I was privileged to meet and hear the views of the Most Venerable Thero, and Sri Lankans and Americans who knew him respected the late Mahanayake’s ceaseless efforts to improve the lives of all Sri Lankans through his advocacy for peace and reconciliation and the teachings of Lord Buddha." Ambassador noted.

Meanwhile the Chinese embassy in Colombo noted that the late Mahanayake  played a great role in promoting peaceful coexistence and reconciliation among various religious communities in Sri Lanka.

“It is with the deepest sadness to learn that Most Ven. Galagama Aththadassi Thero, Mahanayake of Asgiriya Chapter passed away on March 9. The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China expressed the heartfelt condolence to the Buddhist community and the people of Sri Lanka. Most Ven. Galagama Aththadassi Thero is a Buddhist scholar with many attainments and highly respected by the world Buddhist community." a statement from the Chinese embassy in Colombo said.

"He is a good friend of the Chinese Buddhist Community and has made great contribution to promote the Buddhist exchange and cooperation between China and Sri Lanka. Most Ven. Galagama Aththadassi Thero’s passing-away is a great loss not only to Sri Lanka but also to the world,”