The iconic Most Ven Kithalagama Sri Seelalankara Nayake Thero, more popularly known, Dimbulagala Nayake Hamuduruwo who launched an indelible crusade to ameliorate the suffering of peasants of all communities while leading the monks who followed the teaching of the Buddha who said “Go forth; O monks for the Greater Good of the Masses” was symbolically brought to immortality when his life-size statue was ceremonially unveiled at Batticaloa junction, the turning intersection to Dimbulagala rock cave temple.
Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva, Acting Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army, showing his deep respect to the legendary monk who was brutally killed by LTTE terrorists on 26 May 1995 while he was on his way to one of the temple-run farms, harvested by down-trodden Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim peasants, graced as the Chief Guest for the unveiling of the statue of this unorthodox member of the Buddhist monk fraternity.
The establishment of the meticulously sculptured statue of this great saffron-clad philanthropist marks the commencement of his 25th death anniversary commemorative arrangements that falls on the forthcoming 26 May 2020. The highly-respected and fondly remembered Dimbulagala Nayake Thero was gunned down by LTTE terrorists hiding in the jungles on 26 May 1995.