A file photo of Sri Lankan Buddhist monks walk in line as they seek offerings of food in Colombo. Chief Buddhist Monk Gnanissara Thero died on April 3, aged 102. (Photo by Lakruwan Wannarchchi/AFP)
Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith has honored a revered Buddhist monk who passed away April 3, commending his scholarship and service.
The funeral of Agga Maha Pandita Davuldena Sri Gnanissara Thero was held with full state honors April 6 at Independence Square in Colombo, he was 102 when he died.
Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith of Colombo, said that the monk contributed immensely to the spirituality of Sri Lanka and made a valuable contribution to Sinhalese literature.
"Being a scholar of repute, the late prelate has rendered a laudable service to the Buddha Sasana (the teaching of the Buddha) and the Sangha Sasana (community of disciples)," said Cardinal Ranjith in a statement on April 06.
"His labor for the Buddha Sasana spans a period of nine decades," the cardinal said.
Cardinal Ranjith gave his deepest condolence and said that the monk's passing was a great loss to the Buddha Sasana and the entire country.
Chief Buddhist Monk Gnanissara Thero was the ninth in a family of 11 children and born in Dec. 30, 1915. He was ordained as a novice monk when he was in 12.
"He was a poet, scholar and author of over 10 books," said Aloka Senaratne, a Buddhist, in Colombo.
"The monk had a broad knowledge and abundant communication skills over several languages and was conferred with several honorary titles for his service," said Senaratne.
Sri Lankarama monastery in Australia said in a press brief that the monk left an unceasing mark in Australia and the world by consecrating overseas ordinations.