Late Ven. Punnaratana Thera a pride to Lankans - Vidura Wickramanayaka

Throughout history the Maha Sangha have rendered an excellent service by writing books and providing counsel and guidance to the people. At a time when colonial rulers tried to teach us our own history and Archaeology Bhikkhus such as late Ven. Prof. Handunpelpola Punnaratana Thera studied these subjects in depth and imparted that knowledge to the people, Western Provincial Council Member Vidura Wickramanayaka said.

A ceremony was held under the patronage of Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka at the Prime Minister's Office on May 2 to mark the issuing of a new commemorative stamp and a first day cover to mark the birth anniversary of late Ven. Prof. Handunpelpola Punnaratana Thera.

Wickramanayaka said the late Ven. Punnaratana Thera who empowered the cause of the Sri Lankan identity to the outside world was a pride to the Sri Lankan people and especially to the people of Horana. The loss of intellectuals of his calibre was a great national loss.

Earlier, Ven. Dr. Handunpelpola Mahinda Thera delivered a special Anusasana. Prof. Mendis Rohanadheera delivered the memorial lecture.

Ven. Welamitiyawe Kusaladhamma, Chief Sanghanayaka Thera, Ven. Prof. Kamburugamuwe Vajira Thera, Ven. Dr. Bellanwila Wimalaratana Thera, Ven. Aluthwewe Soratha Nayaka Thera and Ven. Maduluwawe Sobhitha Thera were among the large gathering present.