Scholar monk passes away

COLOMBO: Maligakanda Vidyodaya Parivenadhipathi Ven. Dharshanasuri Tripitaka Wagishwaracharya Mahopadyaya Akuretiye Amarawansa Chief Snaghanayaka Thera of Dakshina Lanka passed away on Thursday night. He was 98.

An erudite scholar monk and reputed author, he has translated into Sinhala many treasured books on Abhidharma including Mahavamsa Teekawa and Yamakapakshana

Ven Amarawansa who had a Post Graduate Degree from the Nalanda University in India was also a reputed dhamma preacher here and abroad.

Meanwhile, Education Minister Susil Premajayantha said he was deeply shocked to hear of the passing away of Ven. Dharshanasuri Tripitaka Vagiswaracharya Rajakeeya Pandita Mahopadyaya Akuratiye Amarawansa, Chief Sanghanayake Thera of Dakshina Lanka who was also the Chief Inspector of Pirivenas attached to the Education Ministry and Consultant, Pracheena Bhashapokara Education Unit.

Premajayantha in a condolence message said the Ven. Amarawansa Chief Sanghanayake Thera was a pious Bhikkhu and a teacher well versed in Sinhala, Pali, Sanskrit, English and Hindi.

After passing the Pandita examination with distinction he made a pioneering contribution towards carrying forward the national service initiated by the late Anagarika Dharmapala, the Minister said.

The message added: “Ven. Amarawansa who rendered an indefatigable service towards the uplift of Pirivena education and Pracheena languages was instrumental in opening several Pirivenas and schools in the country. Well versed in the Dhamma, he was also a much sought after dhamma, preacher here and abroad.

He has also produced a long line of pupils to carry forward his dhamma mission. While expressing deepest sympathies on the prelate’s demise on behalf of the Education Ministry, Education and Pirivena community and my personal behalf I wish the prelate the eternal bliss of Nibbana.”

Call to hoist yellow flags

COLOMBO: Education Minister Susil Premajayantha has requested heads of all Pirivenas in the country to hoist yellow flags in their institutions as a mark of respect to Ven. Akuratiye Amarawansa Chief Sangha Nayaka Thera of Dakshina Lanka and called upon all staff and students of pirivenas to attend his funeral at Independence Square on June 25.