Amarapura Maha Nikaya founder remembered

A ceremony to commemorate the 175th death anniversary of Venerable Welitota Sri Gnanawimala Tissa Maha Nayaka Thera, the founder of Amarapura Maha Nikaya will be held on May 05, 2009 at 2.45 pm at the Bandaranaike Mamorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) under the patronage of Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayake.

Sri Lanka Philatelic Bureau will issue a commemorative stamp and a first day cover to mark the event.

Minister of Public Administration and Home Affairs Dr. Sarath Amunugama will exalt "The establishment, promulgation and religious service of Amarapura Nikaya."

The event will be presided over by the Mahanayake of Amarapura Nikaya Most Venerable Davuldena Sri Gnaneswara Nayaka Thera. Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena will welcome the guests.

The event is organised by Velithara Sri Gnanawimala Tissa Memorial Foundation.

The Secretary General of Amarapura Maha Sanga Sabha Dr. Brahamanawatte Seevali Anunahimi will deliver a sermon on the motive and future plans of the Foundation.

Following the offering of flowers and distribution of the Commemorative magazine, the former Attorney General C. R. de Silve will address the gathering.

Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Bandula Gunawardena will deliver the vote of thanks.

Venerable Sri Gnanawimala born in Welitota at Balapitiya became a bhikku under Ven. Velivita Saranakara Sanga Raja in 1766 and received Upasampada in 1801 in Burma. He was the founder of low country Upasampada and established the Amarapura Nikaya in 1806. Venerable Sri Gnanawimala Thera passed away on July 08, 1833.