04th November 2024 05:19:17 Hours
The Hunupitiya, Gangaramaya Temple hosted a series of events to honour the legacy of the late Venerable Galboda Gnanissara Thero in line with his three-month death commemoration at the Gangaramaya temple premises.
The late Venerable Galboda Gnanissara Thero was a highly respected Buddhist leader and visionary in Sri Lanka. Fondly known as 'Podi Hamuduruwo,' Venerable Gnanissara Thero dedicated his life to the spiritual growth of the Gangaramaya Temple and to advancing the educational and vocational development of countless young students and monks throughout the country.
In commemoration of his tremendous service to the Buddha Sasana and the nation, a three-month remembrance Dhamma Deshana (sermon) was held, followed by a daana offering to the Maha Sangha. Following these events, ‘the Venerable Galboda Siri Gnanissara Memorial Scholarship Trust Fund’ was officially launched on 3rd November at Gangaramaya Temple.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil, along with his spouse, Mrs. Sujeewa Nelson attended the ceremony at the invitation of the Chief Incumbent of Gangaramaya Temple Venerable Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thero.
The aim of this initiative was to carry forward the vision of the late Venerable Galboda Gnanissara Thero by providing educational opportunities to underprivileged students and fostering the development of future leaders dedicated to social responsibility and sustainable development.
Addressing the gathering, Venerable Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thero and the Chief Incumbent of the Staten Island Buddhist Vihara, New York, Ven. Heenbunne Kondanna Thero emphasized the purpose and timely significance of the trust fund, underscoring its role in continuing the legacy of Venerable Gnanissara Thero.
The scholarship trust fund was launched under the compassionate leadership of venerable Shi Fa Zhao, Chief Incumbent of the Golden Pagoda Buddhist Temple and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Singapore. As an inaugural donor, he made a major contribution to establishing the fund. Venerable Shi Fa Zhao Thero also addressed the gathering.
The launch of the trust fund was attended by the former presidents, the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, the Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force, several members of the foreign diplomatic corps in Colombo and many other distinguished invitees.