Bishops Conference condoles passing of Asgiriya Chief Prelate

The Catholic Bishops Conference has referred to the great service rendered by the Most Ven. Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Thero, the Chief Prelate of the Asgiriya Chapter of the Siam Nikāya (sect) who passed away last Wednesday.

In a condolence message on behalf of the Catholic Bishops Conference on the demise of the Chief Prelate, Archbishop Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith and Rt. Rev. Dr. Valence Mendis said the Venerable prelate rendered yeoman service to the nation by his committed leadership in matters of national importance.
 
The Bishops Conference appreciated deeply the contribution the Mahanayake Thero had made towards fostering inter-religious harmony in the country.
 
The Catholic Bishops offered condolences to the Anunayake Theros and the members of the Asgiriya Chapter as well as the entire Buddhist brethren of Sri Lanka on this sad occasion.