Eminent Sangha

The Most Ven. Aggamahapanditha Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Rathanapala Mahanayake. Theo was the former Chief Prelate of the Asgiriya Chapter, of the Shamopalika Maha Nikaya (Sri Lanka). He was born on 17th March 1930 in Sri Lanka, received ordination in 1945 and higher ordination in 1951. In 1999, he was appointed as the Maha Nayake Thero and oversaw a chain of temples as the Chief Prelate.

After his appointment, the Maha Nayake Thero had led delegations to countries like Australia, Japan, India, China, Thailand, United Kingdom and Singapore, observing religious affairs, forging closer religious ties to maintain harmony, promoting peace amongst all communities. Those visits had facilitated collaboration, for example, with Japanese Buddhist denomination like Shinnyo-en to support primary education in Sri Lanka.

The Maha Nayake Thero had constantly advised his country leaders on social issues for the betterment of the people, He has actively called for closer ties between Buddhists and followers of other religious faiths, to live in unity, peace and co-existence.

He was 85 years old at the time of his death. The remains of the Asgiriya Chapter Chief Prelate of Shyamopali Great Nikaya late Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Thera were kept for public respect at the Asgiri Temple in Kandy. Government declared Sunday, April 12th, as a Day of Mourning for the late Chief Prelate of the Asgiriya Chapter of the Shyamopali Nikaya, Most Venerable Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Thera.