Ven Kamburadeniye Jinarathana Thera’s demise an irreparable loss - President

Kolonnawa Group Correspondent

At a time when learned and erudite Bikkhus are most needed to ensure the propagation of the Sasana, the untimely demise of Ven. Kamburadeniye Jinarathana Thera who rendered a great service towards educational development is an irreparable loss, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa in a condolence message issued on the occasion of the cremation of Ven. Kamburadeniye Jinarathana Thera held at the Narangoda Paluwa School playground recently.

The message readout by Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Minister Felix Perera added that the services rendered by the late Thera to the student generation in his capacity as a School Principal should always be remembered.

Ven. Jinarathana Thera who strived to produce a student generation with high moral rectitude by imparting Dhamma education had been a guide and counsel to Fisheries Minister Felix Perera too. The President in his message wished the late Thera the bliss of Nibbana!

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Minister Felix Perera said late Ven. Jinarathana Thera was a Buddhaputtra of high calibre and sterling qualities he had met during his entire political career. Although he never spoke about politics, the late Thera had assisted him (the Minister) in catering to the needs of the people.

He said he would allocate funds to construct a crematorium at the Batuwatta Cemetery as a mark of respect to the late Thera.

The Ven. Welamitiyawe Kusaladhamma Thera, Chief Adhikarana Sanghanayaka of Colombo and Chilaw districts conducted the religious rites.

Condolence messages sent by Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayake and Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe were also readout. Gampaha District Parliamentarian Dr. Jayalath Jayawardena and Provincial Council Member U. D. Nandaseeli of the JVP also spoke.

Ven. Seehurumulle Sumanarathana Thera delivered the vote of thanks.