The final rites of the Chief Prelate of Asgiriya Chapter of the Siyam Maha Nikaya, Most Venerable Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Thera, will be held on Sunday (12) at 2pm at Asgiriya Police Grounds with full state honors.

Government of Sri Lanka has announced a National Day of Mourning on Sunday in lieu of the funeral of the Chief Prelate. The Government has instructed all national flags to be flown at half mast.

The Mahanayaka Thera passed away at the Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore on April 8. His sacred remains were brought to Sri Lanka the same evening.

Buddharakkhitha Thera was born on March 17, 1930, in the village of Udugama, Kurunegala District. He obtained ordination on July 21, 1945. Buddharakkitha Thera was appointed Chief Incumbent of Dambulla Raja Maha Viharaya in 1992. He became the Chief Prelate of Asgiriya Chapter on December 13, 1999, and served as the Chief Prelate until his passing away.