Arrangements are underway to conduct the cremation of three foreign monks who were among the seven who died in the tragic accident at the Na Uyana Buddhist Monastery in Sri Lanka.
Minister of Buddhism and Religious Affairs Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senavi informed Parliament that the Principal of the Navimana Theravada Buddhist Centre, Venerable Angulgamuwe Ariyananda Nayaka Thero, had requested that the cremation of the foreign monks be held in Sri Lanka.
Deputy Foreign Minister Arun Hemachandra has been tasked with coordinating the matter with the relevant embassies.
The three foreign monks who lost their lives were identified as: Venerable Dhammaransi Thero (Romania), Venerable Dhammarakhita Thero (Russia), Venerable Dhammagavesi Thero (India) . The four Sri Lankan monks who passed away were: Venerable Malwanegama Samiddhi Thero, Venerable Nawalapitiye Uttarananda Thero, Venerable Nugegoda Vipassi Thero, Venerable Udawalawe Shantha Sumana Thero
Dr. Senavi said a committee would meet tonight to finalize arrangements for the cremation ceremonies, assuring that the government would extend its fullest support to honor the deceased monks.
He further conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and confirmed that two of the six injured monks are currently receiving treatment in the intensive care unit of Kurunegala Hospital.
