The passing away of Aggamaha Panditha Most Ven. Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Maha Nayake Thero of the Asgiriya Chapter is the most saddening news to us Sri Lankans, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe stated in a condolence message.

The message: “He was an erudite and scholarly monk of his time, who rendered a yeoman service to the Sasana he entered, to his country and to the society he lived, through his dedicated life.
 
The late monk entered the Sasana in the year 1945 and acquired knowledge through his studies, excelling himself in both religious and social field. In the year 1998, he was elevated to the post of Anunayaka of the Asgiriya Chapter and in the year 1999, assumed duties as the Maha Nayaka of the Chapter. He spent 70 years of his life as a monk by lavishly serving the Buddha Sasana, the country of birth and the world, to guide the destinies of a nation with his valuable advise.
 
He was the most dedicated monk of our times, who carried out the duties in conducting services connected to the Sri Dalada, faithfully.
 
He fully endorsed the views expressed by the Thrainiyakaya and highly valued peace and serenity among the members of the Three Nikayas and worked with Mettha towards all he came into contact with in his long span of life and won love and admiration of all monks.
 
The late monk was highly pleased with the change of power and the emerging new political and social change, the country was witnessing. He was ready to discuss with us all matters pertaining to the well being of the country and for the progress of the Sasana. I have personally received his blessings and guidance in my political career and I recall those moments with gratefulness.
 
May the Aggamaha Panditha Most Ven. Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Maha Nayake of the Asgiriya Chapter attain Amamaha Nivana.”