In a condolence message, the President said that the people of Sri Lanka will never forget Venerable Maduluwave Sobitha Thera and his commitment for the development of social and religious affairs in the country, building religious reconciliation among different communities and his efforts to restore democracy throughout the country.

Large crowds have been gathering at Kotte Sri Naaga Viharaya to pay their last respects to the late Venerable Madoluwawe Sobhitha Thera since Monday (09) morning.

His Eminence MalcolmCardinal Ranjith, Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasingha, former president Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Opposition Leader R. Sampandan and Chief Opposition Whip Anura Kumara Dissanayake paid their last respects to the remains of the late Thera.

In addition several other politicians including Minister Rauff Hakeem, MP Dinesh Gunawardana, and Democratic Party Leader Field Martial Sarath Fonseka also paid their last respects.

The funeral of Ven Maduluwawe Sobhitha Thera is scheduled to be held at the Parliament ground at 3.00 pm on Thursday (12) with full state honour.