President wishes Mahanayake on 78th birthday

COLOMBO: President Mahinda Rajapaksa in a message of greetings to the Most Ven. Sahitya Chakravarti Mahopadyaya, Agga Maha Pandita Udugama Sri Dhamamdassi Ratanapala Buddharakkita Mahanayake Thera of the Asgiriya Chapter and Rangiri Dambulu Raja Maha Viharadhipati on the Prelate’s 78th birthday states that the prelate has rendered a great and laudable service to the Sasana and social service to the entire Buddhist world.

The message said the Ven. Buddharakkita Mahanayake who was born on March 17, 1930 was ordained on July 21, 1945 and received higher ordination on June 12, 1951.

He was fortunate to become an Anunayake Thera in 1998 and obtain the supreme position of Mahanayake Thera in 1999.

Most Ven. Buddharakkhita Mahanayake Thera who is rendering a great service to the Buddhists here and abroad has travelled extensively to Korea, Thailand, Japan, India, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, China, Tibet, Hong Kong, Myanmar and Cambodia.

His piety, sincerity, pleasant disposition and exemplary life has endeared him to all including the Maha Sangha of all Nikayas.

The furtherance of Buddhism depended on the dedicated efforts of the Maha Sangha in Sri Lanka.

“The Ven. Mahanayake Thera has always taken the forefront in sasana, religious and national activities and I recall with gratitude the vital guidance and advice given by him to me at all times.

The Ven. Mahanayake Thera who always works for the benefit and welfare of the Sasana and the Buddhist public is an exemplary teacher to Buddhist laity and clergy.

On behalf of the government people and on my personal behalf I wish the Ven. Mahanayake Thera the blessings of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the Triple Gem and deities for good health strength and long life to enable him to continue his noble national, religious and Sasana service.