A tearful farewell!

The funeral ceremony of Venerable Professor Bellanwila Wimalarathana Thera brought together President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya and former President MP Mahinda Rajapaksa to one stage on Thursday.

The final rites of Venerable Thera took place at the Sri Jayewardenepura University with full State honours.

The prelate was accorded a tearful farewell by a nation struck by the shocking loss. Pix by Nisal Baduge