Ven Galboda Gnanissara Thera had a vision for the country merging modernity with culture

Funeral of the Chief Sanghanayake of Colombo Nawa Korale of the Siyam Nikaya and the Chief Incumbent of the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya, Ven. Galboda Gnanissara Thera, affectionately known as ‘Podi Hamuduruwo’ took place yesterday at the Gangaramaya Temple premises.

Speaking at the cremation ceremony, Anunayaka Thera of Malwatta Chapter, Ven Dr. Niyangoda Dharmakeerthi Sri Sangarakkitha Vijithasiri Thera said “Venerable Galboda Sri Gnanissara Maha Thera always had a vision to build the country by mixing both modernity and culture. He also worked hard to make it happen.

He was beloved to everyone despite their party, religion and culture. He always guided countries’ rulers for the betterment of the people and the country. He was very sick during his last days, but his student monks and the members of the Gangarama Dayaka Sabha provided everything which Ven. Thera needed in his last days following medical advice.

All Sri Lankans are deeply saddened by the death of the Ven Galboda Sri Gnanissara Maha Thera. I had the privilege of being with him from an early age, getting his advice, and witnessing his huge religious services.

Anunayake of the Asgiri Chapter, Most Ven Anamaduwe Sri Dammadassi Nayaka Thera addressing the cremation ceremony of the Thera said, that late Chief Incumbent of Gangaramaya Temple Venerable Galboda Gnanissara Thera was very active for nearly 75 years of his life for the protection and the betterment of Buddhism during 81 long years of his entire life. He guided novice monks to be educated and move forward through Sri Gnanissara Pirivena in Gangaramaya. He was not only a very prudent and wise character, but also a great artiste who worked hard to make the Gangaramaya what it is today: much more than a temple in the conventional term, but a place of worship, a seat of learning and a cultural centre. In 1979, ‘Podi Hamuduruwo’ founded the Nawam Maha Perahera in Colombo. This glamorous cultural pageant has now become a great tourist attraction. In the field of vocational education, the vocational training centre established in the place has given a platform for thousands of youth to enter the local and foreign job markets. He always had the slogan that Bhikkus should not fear anyone and he always acted like that.

Late Thera accomplished much through his organisational skills

The acting Sanganayake of the Amarapura Maha Sangha Sabha and the Mahanayake of the Rassagala Chapter of the Amarapura Maha Nikaya of Sri Lanka, Most Ven. Karagoda Uyangoda Maithri Murthi Maha Nayaka Thera, said the late Thera accomplished much through his organisational skills and determination and fulfilled his role one hundred percent.

He rendered yeomen service to the country and the Buddha Sasana and his demise is an unbearable loss to the country and the Buddha Sasana. He was a pioneer in preserving Buddhism. ‘Podi Hamuduruwo’, who was just 18-years-old, volunteered to accept the challenges of the hour. Whilst being an undergraduate at Sri Jayewardenepura University, he solely undertook to nurse and care for his sick ‘Loku Hamuduruwo’. Besides which, he was burdened with leadership responsibilities, religious programmes and maintenance duties of the temple. Under the stewardship of Ven. Galboda Gnanissara Thera, Gangarama Viharaya is reputed as one of the most prestigious and beautiful temples in the world.

Podi Hamuduruwo rendered a yeoman service to develop temples in rural areas

Mahanayake Thera of Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya, Chief Incumbent of Vidyavasa Privena in Mirigama Most Ven Makulewe Wimalaabhidana Thera said Podi Hamuduruwo is a firm believer of the Buddha’s principles, and living to impart the knowledge that he has gained to society was his key principle.

His thoughts and actions reflect the endeavour to promote betterment regardless of religion, ethnicity, and background throughout the years. He always thought about the welfare and other facilities of the novice monks and he donated necessary equipment for them. He also rendered a yeoman service to develop temples in rural areas.

He also commenced a programme for the benefit of schoolchildren in remote areas. As many of these children have to walk a long distance to their school, bicycles were distributed to these children to save them time and energy. Gangaramaya temple had always provided shelter to many a scholarly and erudite Maha Sangha through its Pirivens from the past up to now.

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Ven Galboda Gnanissara Thera worked tirelessly to protect Buddha Sasana and ensure well-being of people

– Ven Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thera

Ven Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thera of the Gangaramaya Temple said that Ven. Galboda Gnanissara Thera had worked tirelessly to protect the Buddha Sasana and ensure the well-being of the people.

The Thera went on to say, “He was always an example to others. When we were novice monks, we used to address him as ‘Podi Hamuduruwo’. He always patiently listened to us.

He took good care of us and even took steps to send us abroad for higher education. He took immense happiness in our development. His demise is a great loss to the Sasana and the people of this country”.

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Ven Galboda Gnanissara Nayaka Thera an exceptional Sangha leader, known for his extensive religious and social work in diverse capacities

– President Ranil Wickremesinghe

President Ranil Wickremesinghe described Ven Galaboda Gnanissara Nayaka Thera as a great Sangha leader, noting his extensive religious and social contributions in various capacities.

Emphasising that the Thera never cared about caste or religion, President Wickremesinghe highlighted his dedication to the well-being of all people. He said that the highest tribute to him would be to protect and advance the Dharma and the social centre known as Gangarama Temple.

The President made these remarks while attending the cremation ceremony of Ven Galaboda Gnanissara Nayaka Thera at Hunupitiya Gangarama Temple in Colombo. The ceremony was conducted with full State honours yesterday (05), at the temple premises.

Addressing the gathering President Ranil Wickremesinghe further elaborated;

“Forty years ago, ‘Podi Hamuduruwo’ and I organised the cremation ceremony for Vachissara Nayaka Thera. Today, I am here to attend the cremation ceremony of our Gnanissara Nayaka Thera. I am participating in this occasion as both the President of the country and a member of the Dayaka Sabha of this temple. Additionally, I represent the Wijewardene family, the oldest Dayaka family of this temple. Thus, I have many connections with Gangarama Temple.

I have known Ven. Devundara Vachissara Thera since my childhood. Rathanajothi Thera was also active during that time, and I met our ‘Podi Hamuduruwo’ then as well. When I was about to attend university, he had left Vidyodaya campus and gave me advice about university life.

I was closely associated with him, and when I stood as a candidate for the Biyagama electorate, he offered me tremendous support and advice.

He once mentioned that Colombo needed a Perahera, and after discussions with President Jayewardene and Prime Minister Ranasinghe Premadasa, we initiated those activities. Today, this Nawam Perahera has become a major event in the country, thanks to the boundless dedication of our ‘Podi Hamuduruwo’. Additionally, he worked tirelessly to support temples in remote provinces and the little monks residing in them. We owe him our gratitude for that.

Theras from all provinces were brought to Colombo to carry out this work, and a four-story building was constructed because the temple could not accommodate these activities. His educational mission extended beyond this, as he established connections with Buddhist countries worldwide. The King of Bhutan was invited to Sri Lanka, initiating relations with the Bhutanese government. Additionally, contacts were made with Thailand, Vietnam, China, Korea, and Japan.

Today, at Gangarama Temple, not only is the Buddha’s Dharma shared, but Chinese and Korean Buddhism and other sects also have the opportunity to engage with each other. By constructing new buildings, he significantly contributed to the temple’s development, transforming it into a Buddhist centre-a truly challenging task.

He also established vocational training centres for youth from poor families in these areas. This initiative not only provided them with vocational skills but also encouraged companies to hire these trained youths.

He also contributed to many other societal activities, such as building houses for the poor and helping everyone in need. We should remember this admirable quality of his. He did not discriminate based on religion or caste. During the riots of 1983, when it was difficult to deliver food to refugee areas, our ‘Podi Hamuduruwo’ instructed other Theras to board every lorry, ensuring subsidies reached those in need. He later went to Vavuniya to assist the villagers there.

Our ‘Podi Hamuduruwo’ was a leadership figure with exceptional administrative talent and made significant contributions to political affairs. He worked closely with J. R. Jayewardene, Ranasinghe Premadasa, Mahinda Rajapaksa, and me. When people faced problems, they would often approach the ‘Podi Hamuduruwo’ to communicate their concerns to the president or prime minister.

We will never meet great characters like him again. He possessed unique qualities, and thanks to his talents, this temple has made significant progress today. Our challenge now is to continue the work he accomplished. Let us all commit ourselves to protecting and advancing this centre of Dharma and society known as Gangarama Temple.

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Ven Galboda Sri Gnanissara Maha Thera was a fearless and transparent leader

– Opposition Leader

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa stressed addressing the funeral of the Ven Galboda Sri Gnanissara Maha Thera and said that late Thera was a practical Buddhist in the truest sense of the word and worked diligently to preserve the Buddhist order. He was known for his ability to overcome any challenge and he shouldered the responsibility of starting Navam Maha Perahera on my father’s request amidst many difficulties.

There are no words to describe his qualities. As an environmentally friendly and religious leader, he worked to make the Beira Lake surrounding areas a cleaner place than the government. He was dedicated to empowering the youth and initiated several programmes to enhance their abilities.

He was a fearless and transparent leader. I have seen him warn former president J.R. Jayewardene by pointing his finger at him. And even to my father, he pointed out the things that should be done without any fear or doubt.

Pictures by Sulochana Gamage

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