STATE HONOURS TO MOST VEN DODAMPAHALA CHANDRASIRI MAHANAYAKE THERO

The final rites of the late Chief Prelate of the Amarapura Maha Nikaya, Most Venerable Dodampahala Chandrasiri Thero was held with full state honours, amid gun salute and a huge gathering of mourners, at the Independence Square, Colombo yesterday (21st May 2023) evening.

Honourable Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena attended the state honoured funeral and paid his last respects to the late Chief Prelate. The mourning message of HE the President that was read by the Western Province Governor, Honourable Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena mentioned that the demised Most Venerable Dodampahala Chandrasiri Thero played a leading and exemplary role among the Maha Sangha of this country, spent his monastic life meaningfully, constantly dedicating himself to the benefit of the people of the whole country. It had further mentioned that the prelate’s departure would remain a huge gap in the annals of monkhood.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil attended the cremation paying last respects to the late Chief Prelate.

The Mahanayaka Thero who was born on December 20, 1939, at Dodampahala in the Southern Province passed away on 18th May at the age of 84 while receiving treatment at a hospital in Colombo.

The Thero received his early childhood education from Dodampahala Central High School. Afterwards, the he entered the monkhood at the age of 11 at Walukarama Monastery, Kudawella, and received his early monastic education at Wiramba Pirivena in Matara and at Vidyaloka Pirivena in Galle.

Succeeding the late Most Venerable Aggamahapandita Kotugoda Dhammavasa Mahanayaka Thero, Most Ven. Dodampahala Chandrasiri Mahanayake Thero was appointed as the Chief Prelate of the Amarapura Maha Nikaya on July 20, 2021.

A huge gathering of mourners, including prominent members of the Maha Sangha and clergy of other religions, Honourable Speaker of the Parliament, Parliamentarians, Diplomats, Commanders of Army and Navy, senior Tri-Forces officers, state officials, relatives and bereaved public also attended the final rites.