The State Ceremony for the presentation of the Sri Sannas Pathra to the Most Ven. Karagoda Uyangoda Maithri Murthi Maha Nayake Thera on his appointment as the Fifth Supreme Patriarch of the Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Nikaya will take place at the BMICH, Colombo, at 3.00 p.m. tomorrow (March 10).
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“Unwavering dedication to uplift Buddhasasana”
It is a great honour to extend this felicitation message to the Most Ven. Karagoda Uyangoda Maithri Murthi Mahanayaka Thera, on his esteemed appointment as the Supreme Patriarch of the Sri Lanka Amarapura Sect, said General Secretary of the Amarapura Maha Sangha Sabha, Ven. Balapitiye Siriseewali Nayaka Thera, in a message to mark the presentation of the Sannas Pathra to Most. Ven. Murthi Mahanayaka Thera.
The message: “The Amarapura sect, with its illustrious history spanning 223 years, has nurtured generations of bhikkhus whose exemplary contributions have extended across the world. Comprising 22 chapters, 14,000 bhikkhus, and 4,000 temples, the sect remains steadfast in its dedication to the preservation and advancement of the Buddhasasana. The bhikkhus of the Amarapura sect selflessly devote their lives to spiritual practice while making invaluable contributions to education, classical studies, social service, and the broader development of society.
According to the Constitution of the Amarapura Maha Sangha Sabha, this esteemed position has previously been held by some of the most revered Buddhist scholars and leaders, including the Most Ven. Aggamaha Panditha Madihe Pannaseeha Mahanayaka Thera, the Most Ven. Aggamaha Panditha Dawuldena Gnanissara Mahanayaka Thera, the Most Ven. Aggamaha Panditha Kotugoda Dhammawasa Mahanayaka Thera, and the Most Ven. Abhidhajamaharattaguru Dodampahala Chandasiri Mahanayaka Thera.
Their wisdom and leadership have guided bhikkhus of all generations towards spiritual and moral excellence.
With this strong historical foundation, the newly appointed Supreme Patriarch, who is being conferred with the Sri Sannas Pathraya, is well-equipped to uphold and strengthen the traditions of this prestigious office. His remarkable religious scholarship and unwavering dedication make him an exemplary leader who will continue to guide the Sangha community along the righteous path.
It is a privilege for both the ordained and lay communities to witness the ascension of such a distinguished scholar-bhikkhu to this esteemed position. I extend my heartfelt blessings and best wishes to the newly appointed Supreme Patriarch, praying for his long life, good health, and continued service to the Buddhasasana for many years to come.”
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‘’Strong and enlightened Buddhist leadership”
The appointment of the Most Ven. Karagoda Uyangoda Maithri Murthi Mahanayaka Thera, Mahanayake of the Rassagala Vihara Chapter of the Sri Lanka Amarapura Sect, as the Supreme Patriarch of the Sri Lanka Amarapura Sect is of immense significance to the entire Buddhist community, fulfilling the need for strong and enlightened leadership in all aspects of Sri Lankan society, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said in a message.
The President’s message: “The Most Ven. Karagoda Uyangoda Maithri Murthi Mahanayaka Thera is an exemplary Nayake Thera, whose unwavering dedication to religious and social service has been shaped by his ordination under the Most Ven. (late) Balangoda Ananda Maithreya Maha Nayaka Thera.
As a revered Dhamma preacher, the Most Ven. Mahanayka Thera has played a pivotal role in bridging modern society with Buddhist teachings, extending his spiritual services not only to Sri Lanka but also to countries such as India, Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia. In recognition of his invaluable contributions, he has been honoured with several prestigious religious titles.
Beginning his distinguished career as an assistant lecturer, the Mahanayaka Thera later assumed the esteemed position of Parivenadhipathi, gaining vast experiences across multiple disciplines. His wisdom, scholarship, and embodiment of the Dhamma serve as a guiding light to many. I make this auspicious occasion of his conferment an opportunity to extend my highest respect and admiration to this esteemed scholar and spiritual leader.
May he be blessed with good health and longevity to continue uplifting the Buddhasasana for generations to come.”
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‘A guiding light in the spiritual community’
Deshamanya Ajita De Zoysa, President of the Sri Lanka Amarapura Nikaya Dayaka Sabha has extended heartfelt blessings and greetings on the occasion of the State Ceremony marking the presentation of the Śrī Sannas Patra (official decree) to the Most Ven. Karagoda Uyangoda Maitrimurthi Maha Nayaka Thera, who has been appointed as the 5th Supreme Patriarch (Mahanayaka) of the Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Nikaya.
His message: “The Most Ven. Karagoda Uyangoda Maitrimurthi Maha Nayaka Thera has long been a guiding light in the spiritual community, serving as the Chief Prelate of the Balangoda Miriswatta Sri Dharmananda Pirivena and as the Educational Head of the Amarapura Rassagala Vihara Chapter. His leadership and commitment to the Buddhist community are deeply appreciated.
The Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Nikaya, with its glorious and unbroken history spanning 223 years, has played a crucial role in the revival and advancement of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. The bhikkhus of this Venerable Nikaya have made immense contributions in the fields of education, doctrine, and social service. The approximately 14,000 bhikkhus across Sri Lanka continue to illuminate the path of wisdom and Dharma, guiding the Buddhist community with their noble service. May the Most Ven. Karagoda Uyangoda Maitrimurthi Maha Nayaka Thera’s leadership bring great benefit to the Buddhist community and further the noble cause of the Dhamma.”
