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| Saturday, 28 August 2004 |
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by Bulathsinhala special correspondent Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse said in Horana that the demise of the late Ven. Horana Vajiragnana Nayaka thera was a great loss to the whole country and the Sinhala nation. As an erudite teacher and great scholar, the services the thera rendered to the Sinhala language and literature were unparalleled in the annals of history. The government was ready to accept the counsels given by Maha Sangha and act accordingly,' the PM said. Making a speech at the cremation ceremony of the late Most. Ven. Rajakeeya Pandit Horana Vajiragnana Nayake thera held at the Horana public stadium on Wednesday, Rajapakse said the late thera held an exemplary life to all. He always preached about peace and the need for national unity in the country. Being an exemplary figure, the thera was keen on getting knowledge and distributing the vast knowledge he acquired to the people of the country, the Prime Minister said. Buddhasasana, Public, Security, Law and Order Minister, Deputy Minister of Defence Ratnasiri Wickramanayake, read out a message of condolence sent by President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga. She stated that the late Ven. Horana Vajiragnana Nayake Thera made an immense contribution to Sinhala language and literature. Hundreds of articles written to newspapers and religious discourses he made over the SLBC and the books written by him depicted his education and the services done to Pirivena education and Sinhala language which were immeasurable. Speaker W. J. M. Loku Bandara said, the late Palene Sri Vajiragnana, the late Ven. Paravahera Vajiragnana and the late Ven. Horana Vajiragnana theras were three priests who rendered tremendous contributions to the Buddha Sasanaya and Sinhala language. 'The late thera was recognised everywhere in the country and he was given the primary position at every meeting. His knowledge about Sinhala language was so vast. When there were any disputes regarding words the late thera was consulted for the final solution Loku Bandara said. Former Kalutara District (MP) P. D. Abeyratne read out a message of condolence sent by Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe. On behalf of Ramanna Nikaya the Ven. Dr. Omalpe Sobitha Nayake Thera said that the late thera was a great scholar who lived in the present era. When he was the chief of Vidyaratna Visva Vidya Peeta, he started the first English College in Horana Vidyaratana, Asoka College. He was a person who condemned English very much, but he was of the opinions that until the children were given a good education of English, they wouldn't have a future. The Ven. Niyangoda Vijitha Nayake thera, on behalf of Malwatta Sangha Chapter, the Ven. Welegama Gnanaratna Nayake thera, on behalf of Amarapura Nikaya, the Ven. Velamitiyawe Kusaladhamma Nayake thera, the Ven. Meewanapalana Sumedha, the Chief Sangha Nayaka of Western Province, the Ven. Opalle Gnanasiri, the Principal of Horana Visva Vidya Peeta, the Ven. Thalagala Sumanaratana thera, the Ven. Kobawaka Seevalee, the High Priest of Horana Raja Maha Viharaya also spoke appreciating the life of the late thera. Somasiri Gamage, the Chairman of Horana UC made the vote of thanks. |
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