China condoles death of top Buddhist monk in Sri Lanka
Xinhua, March 10, 2016 Adjust font size:
China on Thursday expressed its condolence on the passing away of Sri Lanka's most venerated Buddhist monk, Most Ven. Galagama Aththadassi Thero.
A statement released by the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka said that the Most Ven. Thero was a good friend of the Chinese Buddhist Community and had made great contribution to promoting the Buddhist exchange and cooperation between China and Sri Lanka.
The statement further said that the Most Ven Thero also played a great role in promoting peaceful coexistence and reconciliation among various religious communities in Sri Lanka.
"Most Ven. Galagama Aththadassi Thero's passing-away is a great loss not only to Sri Lanka but also to the world," the embassy said.
"The Chinese Embassy will make unremitting effort to promote the Buddhist exchange and cooperation between the two countries and deepen our traditional friendship between the two peoples."
Most Ven. Galagama Attadassi Thero passed away on Wednesday after suffering a fall in the temple premises. He was 94 years old.
He was the Chief Prelate of the Asgiriya Chapter of the Siam Sect, one of the highest positions held by a Buddhist monk in the island nation.
The Sri Lankan government on Thursday said that it had declared March 13 as a national day of mourning for the funeral of the Ven Thero. Endit