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Death of former Ambassador

The former Ambassador for Sri Lanka in Thailand H. C. Gunawardena passed away in the early hours on June 20 at the Apollo Hospital after a brief illness. He was 79 at the time of death.

A well-known social worker, Gunawardena held important positions in public service as Assistant Commissioner of Lands in Colombo district, Advisor on Buddhist Affairs in the Ministry of Housing and Construction, Chairman, Anuradhapura Preservation Board and later Ambassador in Thailand.

He rendered a valuable service to Buddha Sasana by renovation of religious buildings situated around Jayasiri Maha Bodhi at Anuradhapura, reconstruction of dilapidated buildings at Isinbessagala Rajamaha Viharaya, Neeravia Temple, Kurulupenththagala Temple in Medawachchiya and Lenadora Temple in Rakwana.

The large Buddha statue he constructed on a hillock near Ambastala Chaitya in Mihintale with the assistance of philanthropists is a monumental work.

While discharging duties as Ambassador he took much efforts to strengthen religious ties with Thailand. With the blessings the King of Thailand he was able to get a very old statue of archaeological value which had been taken from Sri Lanka in ancient times.

His remains lie at his house at No. 385/1, Sri Jayawardenepura Mawatha, Welikada, Rajagiriya. Cremation will take place on Sunday 22nd June.

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