The condolence message: "The sudden demise of the Sobitha thero has no doubt, gripped the whole nation into an unbearable grief and sorrow. All the way through in his life span, Sobitha thero enlightened the clergy on the dignified sense of duty and Buddhist priesthood principles to the Maha Sanga.

"His 60 years of nationwide religious and national campaign wasn't a path that laid on bed of roses. It was marked in a harsh and acrimonious pathway right the way through. In every national endeavour he led Bikkus in the forefront while defending and safeguarding the honour of the Bikkhu robe in the process of structuring a free and fair society. He was a teacher who inspired a great confidence on Bikkhu Shasana.

"Sobitha thero performed a pioneering role in the recent transformation and in the re-establishment of democratic system in the country. The campaign that he steered to build a society free of illegal drugs was also greatly admired by the populace.

"Without being biased to any active political party in the state, his visionary religious service was steered in-favour-of a good social transformation while influencing the executive. In the deep sense of the word, Most Ven. Sobitha thero is truly an exemplary spiritual leader who fought for a free and fair society without expecting any return on it.

"As he was a leader and a sage, Sri Lanka has lost a true and a great son of the soil. Continuous effort to make his vision a reality is the only existing approach to pay our heartfelt tribute for this venerable personality in this motherland.

"In-spite-of the deep-seated narrow diversity, we all should thoroughly determine to stand as a one nation and a society full of humanity as he envisioned.

"The great Buddhist leader, you may attain the Supreme Bliss of Nibbana!!!"