Ven. Galboda Gnanissara Thera still in our lives: Ven. Kirinde Assaji Thera

Pic by Jayamal Chandrasiri   

Late Chief Incumbent of the Gangaramaya Temple, Ven. Galboda Gnanissara Thera, remained closely associated with bhikkhus and dayakas throughout his life, and it is still difficult to fathom that he is no longer with us, even two years after his demise, the current Chief Incumbent, Ven. Kirinde Assaji Thera said. 

He made these remarks following a Bodhi Pooja held on December 14 to bestow merits on the late Thera, coinciding with what would have been his 83rd birth anniversary. 

“When Ven. Gnanissara Thera was alive, he extended assistance to low-income families in remote villages. He also took the initiative to arrange scholarship programmes for children. Schools, community halls, and other public places were renovated under his guidance. This marks his second birth anniversary after passing away, yet our dayakas still find it difficult to accept that he is no longer among us. He remained deeply connected to our lives,” Ven. Assaji Thera said. 

On the occasion, the sacred Bodhi tree was sprinkled with fragrant water. Ven. Assaji Thera also invoked blessings for the country and for those affected by the recent disaster. Temple dayakas and lay devotees were present at the event.