The message adds: “Entering the Sambuddha Sasana in 1945, he was entrusted to look after the welfare of temples in 1957, which were coming under the preview of the Asgiriya Chapter. He was elected as Anunayake of the Chapter in 1988 and assumed office as Chief Prelate of the Chapter on December 13, 1999. “I had the privilege of meeting him to seek his advise on issues pertaining national, social and religious matters. The late Maha Nayake Thera never refused to give his knowledge and expertise whenever requested.

“His fame reached beyond the seas and in recognition of his service to the Sambuddha Sasana in 2014, Myanmar felicitated him with conferring Agga Maha Panditha, an honorary title. “He served the Sasana with dedication over seven decades and his passing away is a great loss that could never be filled.”