President felicitates prelate

President Mahinda Rajapaksa in a message of greeting to Most Ven. Davuldena Sri Gnanissara Uttareethara (Supreme) Mahanayake Thera of the Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Sangha Sabha on the occasion of the prelate's 97th birthday on December 31, said the prelate is a bhikkhu in a true sense of the word replete with piety and erudition.

A study of the large collection of books authored by him is a testimony to his profound knowledge in the Dhamma and the languages, the President said.

"His wide knowledge of Sanskrit and Pali in particular is most startling. This has enabled him to gain an extensive knowledge about the dhamma commentaries. His love and compassion towards all beings has made him most pleasing and appealing to the followers of the dhamma in particular and the people at large," President Rajapaksa said.

The President said he considered it a privilege and a good fortune to have been able to associate with the prelate.

On the occasion of the prelate's 97th birthday, President Rajapaksa extended his sincere greetings to the prelate and wished him good health and long life.