22nd May 2023 17:13:15 Hours
The state funeral of Most Venerable Dodampahala Chandrasiri Mahanayaka Thero of the Amarapura Nikaya took place on Sunday (21) afternoon at the Independence Square, attended by a large gathering of monks, clergies of all faiths, Hon. Prime Minister, a former President, Speaker of the Parliament, Ministers, diplomats, Secretaries, Chief of Defence Staff, Commander of the Army, Commander of the Navy, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Members of the Dayaka Sabha and mourners.
The condolence message of the President was presented by the Governor for Wayamba Province before Hon. Prime Minister delivered his oration at the funeral ceremony. Several ‘anushasana’ (orations) of prelates of all three Nikayas (sects) that followed spoke high of the virtuous life-span of the late patriarch, Ven. Dodampahala Chandrasiri Mahanayaka Thero.
Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, Commander of the Army during his participation shared a few thoughts with several attendees in the state funeral which was awarded military gun salutes.
Several tri service Senior Officers including the Commander, Security Forces - West were also present.
