COLOMBO. : The “Gauravabhinandana” ceremonial event was held in honour of the Chief Sanghanayake of the Sabaragamuwa Province of the Malwathu Maha Vihara Chapter of the Maha Vihara tradition of the Siyamopali Maha Nikaya; former Pirivena Examiner; Rajakiya Pandith; holder of Master; Scholar of classical texts; recipient of the Kala Bhushana title; Vinaya Keerthi Sri Dhammdinna Saranapala; the Most Venerable Kaeligama Vijithananda Nayaka Thero on 25th of February at the auditorium of the Rathnapura District Secretariat.
The event was organized under the patronage of the Anunayake of the Malwathu Chapter of the Siyamopali Maha Nikaya, Most Venerable Acharya Agga Maha Panditha Niyangoda Dharmakeerthi Sri Sangharakkhitha Vijithasiri Abhidhana Anunayake Thero and was participated by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
The presentation of the symbolic casket to Most Venerable Kaeligama Vijithananda Nayaka Thero took place with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and the Governor of Sabaragamuwa Province, Ms. Champa Janaki.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister stated:
It is a privilege for me to participate in this felicitation ceremony held in appreciation of the religious and social service rendered by the Chief Sanghanayaka of the Sabaragamuwa Province, Most Venerable Kaeligama Vijithananda Nayaka Ther.
When we reflect on His life journey, it serves as a profound inspiration to us all. Having entered the monastic life as a disciple of the Sabaragamuwa prelate, the late Most Venerable Kelle Sri Saranananda Thero, the Nayaka Thera has now rendered over fifty years of distinguished service following higher ordination.
After obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Vidyodaya, He devoted several decades as a Pirivena teacher and examiner, enlightening thousands of students. He has also authored numerous scholarly works. His classical literary contributions, especially for students of Pirivena education, are of exceptional value.
The Prime Minister further recalled with gratitude the commitment shown by the Nayaka Thera, centred around the Ratnapura Mahawala Sri Dharmayathana, to uplifting the spiritual and social well-being of the local community, and extended her wishes for good health and long life for the continuation of his invaluable service to the Buddha Sasana.
The occasion was also graced by the presence of Most Venerable Karagoda Uyangoda Maithreemurthi Thera, Supreme Mahanayaka of the Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Sangha Sabha; the Anunayaka of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya, Waleboda Gnanissara Thera; Lecturer of the University of Peradeniya and Deputy Registrar of the Malwathu Chapter, Panditha Mahawela Dhammakkhanda Rathanapala Thera; the Chief Sanghanayaka of Ratnapura and Uva Wellassa and former Vice-Chancellor of Uva Wellassa University, Bethgamuwa Dhammadinna Thera; along with members of the Maha Sangha. The occasion was also attended by the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Sunil Senavi, Governor of Sabaragamuwa Province, Ms. Champa Janaki Rajaratne, Member of Parliament Shantha Padmakumara, former Members of Parliament A. A. Wijethunga and Janaka Wakkumbura, Ratnapura District Secretary Chinthana Udaya Nanayakkara, Basnayake Nilame of the Maha Saman Devalaya Ishan Sanka Mapitigama, Mayor of Ratnapura Indrajith Katugampala, and many other distinguished invitees.
