The ceremony was held under the patronage of Most Venerable Dimbulkumbure Wimaladhamma Thero, the Deputy Chief Prelate of the Malwathu Maha Viharaya Chapter.
During the event, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya presented the official declaration conferring the title of Chief Sanghanayake of Wellassa, Bintenne and the Eastern Three Provinces upon Ven. Professor Mahoya Jinarathana Thero.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister stated that the Thero, who entered the Buddhist monastic order in 1982, has rendered outstanding service to Buddhism and society for more than four decades, setting an example to the entire community.
She noted that the continued administration of Sri Saranankara and Sri Saddhatissa Dhamma schools, as well as the service rendered as the Head of the Deegavapi Pirivena, should be specially appreciated.
The Prime Minister further stated that the annual donation of educational equipment to hundreds of children has provided significant support to the country’s educational development efforts. She also commended the Thero’s contribution towards the restoration of the historic Deegavapi Stupa and the development of other temples.
She added that initiatives such as the construction of a Buddhist monks’ ward at the Ampara General Hospital demonstrate the Thero’s selfless commitment to society.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya further emphasized that Buddhist leaders who work towards the spiritual and social wellbeing of people in historically significant regions such as Wellassa and Bintenne are greatly needed by the country. She also stated that the decision by the Malwathu Chapter to confer this honorary title is a recognition and honour for the people of those regions.
Members of the Maha Sangha representing the three Nikayas, Minister Samantha Vidyarathna, Deputy Minister R.M. Jayawardena, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, the Governor of the Uva Province, government officials and a large number of devotees attended the ceremony.
