Final rites of late Ramanna Sect Chief Prelate held with state honours

COLOMBO (News1st): The final rites of Most Venerable Napana Pemasiri Thero, who served as the Chief Prelate of the Ramanna Sect, were held with full state honours on Sunday. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa were among those present as the final rites were carried out at the grounds of the S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike National School in Kundasale. "The Most Venerable Chief Prelate rendered an invaluable service to our country and his demise is a loss to us all," the President said in a eulogy. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa echoed similar sentiments pointing out that the late Chief Prelate had rendered a great service to Buddhism. "May he attain the bliss of Nibbana," he prayed. Most Ven. Napane Pemasiri Thero passed away on November 17 at the age of 98 while receiving treatment at the Peradeniya Teaching Hospital. His remains were laid in repose at the Sri Vidyasagara Piriven Temple in Menikhinna. Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Opposition Leader were among those who paid their last respects to the late Chief Prelate. Most Ven. Makkulawe Wimala Thero, the newly appointed Chief Prelate in the Ramanna Sect, said his predecessor lived a life filled with virtues and principles. "...his accession to the position of Chief Prelate came amidst a benevolent lifestyle that involved paying utmost respect to his teachers," he observed.

Most. Ven. Napane Pemasiri Thero,

May you attain the bliss of Nibbana!