Religious ceremonies to bless late Ven. Verallane Wimalatissa
Ven. Verallane Wimalatissa Adhikarana Sanghanayaka Thera, who was
Chief Incumbent, Vimala Viharaya, Nawala, passed away at the age of 89
years on 1st November 2005 after a brief illness. A series of religious
ceremonies have been arranged at Vimala Viharaya commencing on 27th
January 2006 to bestow blessings on him and to commemorate his valuable
services to the Buddha Sasana and the contribution he made for the
spiritual uplift of the masses.
Dhamma Sermons by eminent and erudite Bhikkus will be held from 27th
to 31st January 2006 commencing at 7.30 pm and a Sangika Dana to over
100 Bhikkus will be offered on 1st February 2006.
The Dhamma Sermons each day will be preceded by a Buddapooja from
7.00 pm to 7.30 pm. Vimala Viharaya established by this Ven. Bhikku at
Nawala on 23rd July 1956 in a cadjan thatched hut has today blossomed
into a magnificent Viharaya complete with all requirements of a Buddhist
Viharaya.
Ven. Nayaka Thera led a pious and simple life. He was very soft
spoken and had the ability to win the confidence of devotees and get
their support to improve the facilities at the Viharaya.
Nawala received much publicity with the annual publication of the
well-known series of Dhamma Magazine titled "Nawala Dhamma" desana
edited by this erudite Ven. Bhikku. This publication which is of
inestimable value to all Buddhists as well as others interested in the
study of Buddhism has received worldwide recognition.
Ven. Nayaka Thera was well known Poet of the "Colombo Era" who
contributed to various popular publications. His contributions were
mainly based on Buddhist Themes and Ethics.
The Nayaka Thera travelled far and wide in Sri Lanka delivering
Dhamma Sermons. His services were sought after by Buddhists of Malaysia,
Singapore, Nepal, India and Bangladesh too.
The 'Pragna Pradeepa Daham Pasela' established at this Viharaya by
the Ven. Nayaka Thera, with the able assistance of his Senior Pupil Ven.
Beragama Wimala Dhamma Thera (the present Chief Incumbent) has greatly
contributed to the moulding of the religious ethics of the younger
generation in Nawala and surrounding areas. There are over 500 students
attending this Daham Pasela.
The greatest achievement of the late Ven. Nayaka Thera is the
grooming of his Senior Pupil Ven Beragama Wimala Dhamma Thera (Master of
Arts in Buddhist Philosophy) who is at present a Teacher at Sri
Vajiragnana Thripitaka Dharmayathana Pirivena, Mallikaramaya, Ratmalana.
Ven Wimala Dhamma Thera is a very talented young Bhikku who is possessed
of great organizational capability. It is due to the un-tiring efforts
of Ven. Beragama Wimala Dhamma Thera that Vimala Viharaya has achieved
its present significant status.
The devotees of Vimala Viharaya are fully aware of the great devotion
and painstaking efforts of Ven. Beragama Wimala Dhamma Thera in looking
after his Nayaka Thera until he breathed his last. Ven. Verallane
Wimalatissa Nayaka Thera was very appreciative of the services rendered
by his worthy pupil.
May the Ven. Verallane Wimalatissa, Adikarana Sanghanayaka Thera
attain the supreme bliss of 'Nibbana'. |