His acts of Dhamma portrayed a most efficient and esteemed personality, the President said.
Most Venerable Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Thera earned the respect of the Maha Sangha by his tireless efforts towards unification of the three Chapters of the Maha Sangha, the President further stated.
His visits abroad for propagation of the teachings of the Buddha were of immense benefit to the Buddhist devotees abroad, and brought glory and honor to the Buddha Dhamma and Sri Lanka, stated President Sirisena in a message of condolence.
Following is the full text of the message of condolence by the President:
I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing away of the Mahanayaka Thera of the Asgiriya Chapter of the Shyamapoli Nikaye, Most Venerable Udugama Sri Buddharakkhitha Thera, who rendered yeoman service to the Buddha Sasana. I wish to record my profound sorrow on behalf of the Government and the people of Sri Lanka and myself on this occasion.
Having entered the Sasana in 1945 and obtained higher ordination after completion of Dhamma studies as a pupil of the late Mahanayake of the Asgiri Chapter, the Most Venerable Udugama Srirathanapala Mahanayake Thera.
Most Venerable Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Thera personally conducted the offerings to the most sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha at the Sri Dalada Maligawa, thus realizing the joy of serving the Buddha. I am aware that the Mahanayake Thera earned immense satisfaction by his actions to bring the most sacred Tooth Relic closer to the people.
The selfless services rendered by Most Venerable Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Thero brought greater light to the Buddha Sasana. His acts of Dhamma portrayed a most efficient and esteemed personality. I trust this gave him an inner strength to continue services to the Buddha Dhamma in his later years.
Most Venerable Mahanayake Thero earned the respect of the Maha Sangha by his tireless efforts towards unification of the three Chapters of the Maha Sangha. Furthermore, his visits abroad for propagation of the teachings of the Buddha were of immense benefit to the Buddhist devotees abroad, and brought glory and honor to the Buddha Dhamma and Sri Lanka.
May the Most Venerable Mahanayake of the Asgiriya Chapter of the Shyamapoli Nikaye,Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Thero, who spent his life in the most valued and selfless service to the Buddha Sasana, attain the ultimate bliss of Nibbana.
