Ariyawansalankara Nayake Thera passes away

The President of Sri Lanka Temperance Movement and Chief Incumbent of Vipassana Meditation Centre, Colombo 7, Ven. Dr. Harispattuwe Ariyawansalankara Nayake Thera passed away yesterday at the age of 74.

The Ven. Nayake Thera was suffering from diabetes which led to renal failure but he had refused to prolong his life with advanced medical treatment. The Ven. Thera was ordained at the age of 60, after retirement from his teaching profession and was famous for his enlightening and captivating sermons.

The body of Ven. Ariyawansalankara Nayake Thera will be handed over to Yakkala Ayurvedic Teaching Hospital today as per his last will.

He had advised against any ceremonial cremation and even placing his body in a casket, the younger brother of late Ven. Nayake Thera, Lalith Ariyatilake told the Sunday Observer.