Prime Minister to represent Govt at Sanghanayaka's funeral in Malaysia

COLOMBO: Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka will represent President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Government at the cremation of Ven. Dr. Kirinde Dhammananda, Chief Sanghanayaka Thera of Singapore and Malaysia to be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Prime Minister Wickramanayaka who was on an official visit to South Korea left Seoul, South Korea for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia yesterday to attend the cremation, a press release issued by the Prime Minister's Office said yesterday.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Wickramanayaka in a condolence message issued on the passing away of Ven. Dr. Kirinde Dhammananda Chief Sanghanayaka Thera of Singapore and Malaysia said the Thera's demise was a great loss to the country and the Buddha Sasana.

The Prime Minister said the Thera was engaged in international dhammaduta activities.

Ven. Dhammananda Thera was a disciplined and erudite Sangha patron engaged in Buddhist missionary activities abroad for well over five decades obtaining post graduate degrees from leading international universities.

He authored many books in Sinhala and English and was well versed in several other foreign languages.

He rendered a great service to Buddhists by setting up Buddhist centres in Singapore and Malaysia. On this occasion it should be recalled with gratitude that the President honoured the Thera by inviting him to Temple Trees recently.

The message said: "The Thera helped tsunami victims by distributing food items worth millions of rupees and building houses for many displaced families.

Although he associated himself with international statesmen and intellectuals he was a Bhikku of a very humble disposition.

He earned popularity among Buddhists as a preacher of the highest order and calibre.

The Ven. Dr. Kirinde Dhammananda Thera was a Bhikku of rare calibre and his demise was a great loss to the country and the Buddha Sasana.

While expressing deepest condolences on behalf of the Government led by President Mahinda Rajapaksa and my personal behalf, I wish Ven. Dr. Dhammananda Thera the Bliss of Nibbhana."