The cremation of the Mahanayake Thera of Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Nikaya Most Ven Dauldena Gnanissara Thera who rendered an unparalleled service to the Buddha Sasana and the nation will be held at Independence Square with full state honours.
The Mahanayake Thera passed away on Monday at the age of 102.
The Government yesterday requested the public to hoist a yellow flag at their houses and workplaces as a mark of respcet to the erudite monk who guided the Sasana by leading a virtuous life in keeping with the Dhamma.
The Most Ven. Davuldena Sri Gnanissara Thera was born in the village of Davuldena in the Badulla District in the year 1915. He was ordained as a novice monk in 1928 at the Thapodanarama Moola Maha Vihara in Sapugolla. The Mahanayake Thera was conferred with several honorary titles in recognition of his service to the Buddha Sasana. They include the Agga Maha Panditha, Sahithyasoori, Thripitakacharya, Bashanthara Visharada, Jinasasana Keerthi Sri Grantha Vicharadha, Dvi Basha Visharadha, Sanskrutha Chakravarthi and Rajakeeya Panditha.
President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe paid their last respects to the Mahanayake Thera on Tuesday.