Issuing a condolence message on the passing away of the Mahanayake of the Ramanna Chapter Most. Ven. Napane Pemasiri Thera, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said his demise would be an irreparable loss to the Buddha Sasana.

The Prime Minister stated: “Ven. Pemasiri Thera was an erudite monk who rendered a yeoman service to the Buddha Sasana and the country. He was a true disciple of the Buddha who followed in the footsteps of his Bhikku teachers and dedicated his entire ordained life to disseminate the Buddha Dhamma here and abroad.

His life was the very epitome of compassion and he inspired many other Bhikkus to engage fully in the service of the Buddha Dhamma. Having held various responsibilities in the Ramanna Nikaya, the Ven. Thera ultimately became its Mahanayake in 2012, guiding the Nikaya on the timeless tenets of the Buddha. The Ven. Thera earned various honorary titles for his service to the Buddha Sasana, including Agga Maha Panditha from Myanmar.

The Ven. Thera never wavered from Buddhist principles amidst various challenges and gave valuable insights and advice to the Bhikku and lay leaders on matters of crucial importance to the country. I have been fortunate to seek and get such advice from the erudite Maha Nayake Thera on many occasions.

The Ven. Thera lived an exemplary life and engaged in serving the Sasana despite his advancing years. The Ven. Thera was a true believer in the words of the Buddha and helped countless others to traverse the path trod by the Buddha. May the Ven. Thera attain the Supreme Bliss of Nibbana !”