Ven. Omalpe Sobhitha Thera resigns as Chief Sangha Nayaka

Colombo, July 22 (Daily Mirror) - Ven. Dr. Omalpe Sobhitha Thera has resigned from the post of Chief Sangha Nayaka of the Southern Province of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya after serving in the position for 14 years.

His resignation was announced on July 11 at a special meeting of the Southern Province Maha Sangha Sabha held at Sirimangala Piriven Viharaya.

Explaining his decision, Ven. Sobhitha Thera said leadership positions should not be held for life and that opportunities should be given to younger monks to take on responsibilities.

He said Sangha Nayaka positions should not be treated as honorary titles given only in old age, but should be held by those who are able to actively contribute to the development of the Sasana.

Ven. Sobhitha Thera was appointed to the position in 2012 by the Southern Province Sangha Sabha of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya. Before stepping down, he had handed over responsibilities of 14 temples and educational institutions under his guidance to his disciples and other monks.