Ven. Dr. Yatagama Dhammapala Thera rendered yeoman service - President

In a condolence message, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said he was deeply shocked after hearing the passing away of Parivenadhipathi of Balagalla Saraswathi Pirivena Prwachana Visharadha Dharmakeerthi Sri Most Ven. Dr. Yatagama Dhammapala Anunayaka Thera.

The message: "The Ven. Thera was born on November 27, 1929 and ordained in 1941. He obtained higher ordination in 1951. The Thera has also obtained a degree on Philosophy from Peradeniya University and a doctorate from the London University.

He was a teacher of Pihibiyagollewa Vidyalaya, Medawachchciya, Senior Lecturer attached to Pali and Buddhist Studies of the Peradeniya University and the Chief of the Saraswathi institute of the Sri Lanka Buddhist and Pali University.

Dhammapala Thera who became the Registrar of Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya rendered a tremendous service the well-being of the Bhikkus of the Nikaya. He gave leadership to the religious activities of over 3,000 temples come under the purview of Sri Lanka Ramanna Nikaya.

The Thera also dedicated his time for social activities in his area. As the Viharadhipathi of Balagalla Saraswathi Piriven Viharaya, he was instrumental in constructing a cetiya, Dana Shalawa and resting facilities for Bhikkus within the Vihara premises.