Nayaka Thera passes away

Viharadhipati, Sri Sanghikarama Purana Viharaya Kudamaduwa, Piliyandala Ven Saddharama Keerthi Sri Dharma Visharada Panditha Lokatvachari Paragastota Piyaratana Nayaka Thera passed away on Monday aged 72 years.

The cermation took place at the Viharaya’s Adahana Maluwa yesterday.

A leading Bhikkhu in the area, Ven Piyaratna Thera has rednered an immense religious and soical service as an active member of the Kotte Sri Samagri Dharma Maha Sangha Sabha.

A past pupil of the Vidyalankara Pirivena, Pannipitiya, he started his sasana service by establishing the Sri Sanghikaramaya at Kudamaduwa in 1967 and developing it into a leading religious centre in the area which contributed towards the economic, social and moral development of the Kudamaduwa village.

He also pioneered the provision of water and electricity supplies to the village.

He launched several volunteer and community development orgnaisations which endeavoured to uplift the living standards of the people. He has also bequeathed four leading pupils to the Sangha Sasana including present chief incumbent Ven Kalawelaragama Chandananda Thera.

He has received honorary titles from the Kotte Sri Kalyani Samagri Dharma Maha Sangha Sabha and the Sri Jayewardenepura Commemoration Foundation in recognition of his manifold services. May he attain the Supreme Bliss of Nibbana.

Sarath Mandalawatta Secretary , Sri Sanghikarama Viharaya , Dayaka Sabha