Asgiriya Mahanayake Thera’s funeral with full state honours

The government has decided to hold the funeral of the Most Ven. Aggamaha Panditha Udugama Sri Buddharakkhita Mahanayake Thera of the Asgiriya Chapter with full State honours, the Acting Director General of the Government Information Department K.W.T.N.Amaratunga said issuing a press release.

Accordingly the cremation of the prelate will be held with State honours at the Police Grounds, Asgiriya, Kandy on April 12 at 2 pm.

The Government has declared April 12, a Day of National Mourning as a mark of respect to the late Mahanayake of Asgiriya Chapter Most Ven. Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Thera.

Accordingly, all private and state institution are requested to fly the national flag at half-mast on the aforementioned date and to hoist yellow flags in Temples and houses.

The remains of the late prelate lies in state at the Asgiriya Temple for the public to pay their last respects. The release further states that during the cremation on April 12, a seventeen gun salutes will be accorded by the Sri Lanka Army while flowers will be strewn from the air by the Sri Lanka Airforce.

A number of diplomats have been invited for the State funeral and around 40 foreign religious dignitaries are also expected to participate.