Ven. Maduluwawe Sobhitha’s demise an irreparable loss: Minister Amunugama

In a statement issued by Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama on the demise of Ven. Maduluwawe Sobhitha Chief Incumbent of Sri Naga Vihara, Kotte, he says that the Ven. Thera’s demise is an irreparable loss to Sri Lanka and that the national, religious and cultural services rendered by him are immeasurable.  

The statement goes on to say:

“I have associated Ven. Maduluwawe Sobhitha closely for a long time. I was deeply shocked by the news of his death. Ven. Sobhitha was a senior prelate who worked tirelessly in regard to the problems facing our country and our people belonging to various communities. He worked with sensitivity in respect of issues relating to our system of governance and reconciliation among ethnic and religious groups. He expressed his views fearlessly about such issues. He never acted in the expectations of personal gain. He never went behind anyone. The Ven. Thera not only gave valuable advice to leaders of society but conducted himself also according to what he preached. He always admonished national leaders to take them on to the correct path and fearlessly criticised them when they did not respond adequately. He never hesitated to express his views forthrightly and clearly on important national issues. He himself acted according to the opinions he expressed. That was characteristic of him. Till the last moment the Ven. Thera strived to bring about an ethical and democratic system of governance.

Ven Sobhitha enjoyed high respect among all classes of people in our society irrespective of ethnic, religious and other differences. Such people enjoying universal acclaim are a rarity today. However the Ven. Thera was one such, enjoying the veneration of every segment of society.

Ven. Thera, we will never be able to make good the loss we have suffered by your demise. Your decades long service to the nation will never be erased from our memory. May you obtain Nibbana.”