July 01, Colombo (LNW): Ven. Banagala Upatissa Na Thero, Chairperson of the Sri Lanka Maha Bodhi Association and Japan’s Chief Sanghanayake of Dambadiva Sanchi Chethiyagiri Vihara, has paid tribute to the late MP and former opposition leader R. Sampanthan, recognising him as a respected leader with a profound vision for fostering harmony between the North and South of Sri Lanka.
In a statement, the Thero highlighted Sampanthan’s active role in promoting cooperation and contributing ideas during welfare programmes conducted by the “Religious Conference,” an initiative involving all religious leaders in the country. These programmes were aimed at supporting rehabilitation camps in the Northern Province and establishing nursery schools in the Chavakachcheri area.
His efforts clearly demonstrated his deep commitment to building a united Sri Lankan identity, he emphasised.
The Thero also added that Sampanthan’s passing is a significant loss to the entire Sri Lankan society, particularly at a time when the country is in dire need of politicians with such mature and insightful thinking.
“We express our deepest condolences to all of his family. May he be blessed with the good soul he had hoped for religiously,” Ven. Upatissa Na Thero concluded.
