Panakawe Pemaratana Thera to be venerated

Arrangements have been made to venerate Deputy Chief Sanganayake Ven. Panakave Pemaratana Thera on July 5 and 6 at the Sri Sudharmaramaya, Thambiligasmulla, Makola and the Sri Dheerananda Pirivena for his three decade meritorious service. Venerable Pemaratana Thera is an illustrious Bhikkhu dedicated his life to propagate Buddhism around the world and committed to emancipate his devotees.

Ordained at the age of 18, the Thera received his primary education at the Panakawe Junior School and Delgoda Pirivena and then entered the Kelaniya University to obtain BA in Arts in 1986.

The Chief Incumbent initiated to set up the first stage of Pirivena to impart knowledge in oriental studies to novice monks. In no time the Pirivena was elevated to a Maha Pirivena and subsequently to a Vidyayatana Pirivena. The Venerable Thera also pioneered in establishing a Government school with classes up to Advanced Level.

In appreciation of his service to the Sangha Sasana, the Asgiriya Chapter and Siyam Mahanikaya bestowed on him the title of Deputy Chief Sanganayaka of the Colomba Nawakorale and Navathotamuna.