It was all the more saddening to note that his passing away occurred within a mere nine months of his election to the highest office of the Chapter, the Prime Minister stated.

The message added: "The prelate born at Galagama on January 11, 1922 had his initial education at Parakramabahu MV at Yatawattawera, Matale and received ordination in 1936. After completing his Pirivena education, he was conferred the Rajakeeya Saddharmacharya, Abidharmacharaya, Tripitakacharya and Majjimabhanaka degrees. As a linguist, he was fluent in several languages including Pali, Sanskrit, Sinhala and Tamil.

He served as a teacher at the Sri Dharmaraja Pirivena Matale for 14 years and Principal of Sri Dharma Sri Pirivena, Kawatayamuna for a considerable period to bequeath a learned generation of bhikkhus to the nation.

After receiving higher education in 1942, he held several responsible posts before becoming Anunayake Thera of the Asgiriya Chapter in 1999 and Mahanayake Thera in 2015.

He valued the unity of the three Nikayas and won the hearts of the entire Sangha generation.

He took a leading role in resolving problems in the Sangha society and preparing the Bhikkhu Kathikawata. The Mahanayake Thera highly appreciated the socio political change which was ushered in the country with the advent of the new government."

The Prime Minister said he wished to recall the close association the Prelate had with him and offered counsel to prod the government on the correct path.

"The service he rendered to the Sasana, country, nation and the society during his bhikkhu life which spanned over 80 years, should be highly appreciated. May the Mahanayake Thera attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana," the Prime Minister said.