Ven. Hanthane Dhammagavesi Appointed Anunayaka of Amarapura Sri Sambuddha Sasanodaya Sangha Sabha

Royal Pandit and Master of Arts degree holder, Venerable Hanthane Dhammagavesi Thera, has been appointed Anunayaka (Deputy Chief Prelate) of the Amarapura Sri Sambuddha Sasanodaya Sangha Sabha.

Venerable Hanthane Dhammagavesi Thera is the founder of the Arathi Spiritual Retreat in Morawaka and the chief incumbent of three Buddhist institutions: the Dhamma Vihara Centre in Biyagama, the Dhammanikethana Buddhist Centre in Kotigala, Kegalle, and the Siri Dhammarathana Dhamma Research and Bhikkhu Training Centre in Sinharagama.

The ceremonial presentation of the official appointment certificate was held on October 27 at the Lotus Hall of the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) in Colombo.

The ceremony was presided over by the Maha Nayaka Thera of the Amarapura Maha Nikaya’s Sasanodaya Sangha Sabha, Most Venerable Dr. Vaskaduwe Mahindawansa Thera, along with members of the Maha Sangha.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya presented the official certificate confirming Venerable Hanthane Dhammagavesi Thera’s appointment to the new position.

The ceremonial fan associated with the appointment was presented to the prelate by Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Gamagedara Dissanayake.

Myanmar Ambassador to Sri Lanka Daw Malar Than Hteik, diplomatic representatives, Members of Parliament including Sagarika Athavuda, invited guests and Buddhist devotees also attended the ceremony.

The appointment marks a new milestone in the religious service of Venerable Hanthane Dhammagavesi Thera within the Amarapura Sri Sambuddha Sasanodaya Sangha Sabha.