Most Venerable Maduluwawe Sobitha Thero has passed away this morning at a hospital in  Singapore - SL Mission in Singapore confirms.

SL mission in Singapore also says that steps have already been taken to send back remains of Sobitha Thero as soon as possible to Sri Lanka. The government has also decided to conduct the funeral of Sobitha Thero with full state honours.

The remains of Thero will be brought to the country at 9.15 pm today on SriLankan flight UL309, according to Speaker Karu Jayasuriya. The government has declared a national day of mourning in view of the funeral as well. The last rites of Sobitha Thero will be held on Thursday (12) at the Parliament grounds.   

Earlier, President Maithripala Sirisena after having discussions with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe has decided for the government to bear the entire cost of medical treatment provided to Chief Incumbent of the Kotte Naga Vihara, Ven.Maduluwawe Sobitha Thero.

Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thero, was flown to Singapore Hospital on Tuesday (03) night for further medical treatment on the instructions of President Maithripala Sirisena. President Sirisena, who personally looked into the illness of Venerable Thero, even during his state visit to Thailand had given instructions to take necessary measures for further treatment.

Update: Remains of Ven. Sobitha Thero will be flown to Sri Lanka tonight and will be taken to the Kotte Naga Vihara at 9.00 am for public respect till 12 noon on 12 November.

Flight carrying remains of Ven Sobitha thero from Singapore arrived at the BIA a while ago. Tune into Ada Derana 24x7 for live coverage now.