Funeral with a difference

Mahinda P Liyanage- Galle Correspondent

A strange yet humane and emotional funeral took place in connection with the death of a monkey at Sri Sugatharama Temple, Jambuketiya, Halawala, Galle recently.

The monkey called as Kiri by all had lived at the temple for over seven years in association with Buddhist monks and devotees of the temple.

On instructions of Chief Incumbent Ven Pallewela Sumedhawansa Nayaka Thera, Buddhist funeral rites accorded to humans were administered by the Maha Sangha headed by Galle Chief Judicial Sanghanayaka Ven Beligalle Pannarama Nayaka Thera. Following funeral rites the body of the monkey, laid in a coffin was buried at the temple premises amidst a large crowd.

Chief Priest of Sri Sugatharamaya Ven Pallewela Sumedhawansa Thera said that the monkey was a very close and faithful friend of all monks, devotees and Dhamma schoolchildren and had displayed many rare talents and skills.