Even though, our Mahanayake Thero conferred with a title, which the whole world respected, he never changed his humble behavior towards the people, the President further said.
Following is the full text of the message:
The sudden demise of Chief Prelate of the Asgiri chapter of the Shyamapli Nikaye, the Most Ven. Galagama Sri Aththadassi Thero is a matter for deepest sorrow. It is also a colossal loss not only to the people of Sri Lanka, but also to the Buddhists the world over.
Ven. Aththadassi Thero was a Buddhist monk who beautified the Shanga Shasana who qualified the Buddha’s depiction of, “Eloquent, disciplined, erudite monk with a comprehensive knowledge about the Dhamma illuminates the Shasana”.
Ven. Galagama Sri Aththadassi Thero who had a great quality to address all the people who came to him, with a heart of loving kindness, thus living up to the Buddhist social concepts, was meritorious to be a prominent custodian of the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha, which is the most sacrosanct relic of worship of the entire Buddhist world.
Even though, our Mahanayake Thero conferred with a title, which the whole world respected, he never changed his humble behavior towards the people. The Mahanayake Thero, who was proficient in Sinhala, Tamil, Pali and Sanskrit languages, used his broad knowledge and abundant communication skills to spread Buddhism around the world.
May the Most Venerable Mahanayake of the Asgiriya Chapter of the Shyamapoli Nikaye, Galagama Sri Aththadassi Thero, who spent his life to render the most valued and selfless service to the Buddha Shasana attain the ultimate bliss of Nibbana.
