The funeral ceremony of the Most Venerable Keppetiyagoda Siriwimala Thero, Anunayaka of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya and the Chief Incumbent of the Getambe Rajopawanaramaya Temple, has commenced at the Getambe Grounds.
The revered Thero, who had been suffering from an illness for some time, passed away on October 18 while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Kandy. He was 96 years old at the time of his passing.
Ven. Keppetiyagoda Siriwimala Thero made a significant contribution to the revival of Buddhism and the advancement of culture in Sri Lanka, with the Getambe Rajopawanaramaya Temple serving as the centre of his religious and social activities.
He was also widely respected for his courage in speaking out on behalf of the country and Buddhism on various occasions of national and religious significance.
According to the funeral committee, the cremation of the late Anunayaka Thero is scheduled to take place today at 4.00 p.m.
