For the late Dr. Nalin de Silva at the headquarters of the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress, a pansukula rites was performed today (05.05.2024) with the participation of one hundred monks.
This occasion was organised with the intervention of Ven. Bengamuwe Nalaka Thera and Ven. Elle Gunawansa Thera, the Maha Sangha, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, and all national organizations and patriotic movements.
The Prime Minister speaking at the event commented that -
"Dr. Nalin de Silva is the pride of our country who awakened tge nation. He was a nobleman who took Buddhism meaningfully to our countrymen and the world.
He is one of our Buddhist leaders who bravely dedicated himself at all times for the perpetuation and protection of the Sambuddha order.
It is not only a matter that we all accept that his death will be a great loss to our country, but it is a honour and pride that we have gathered to perform these rites on behalf of him as Buddhists at this moment.
He expressed his views fearlessly as a proud leader of the nation.
Commenting on a period of darkness for the nation, he made the nation awakened. The country has been awakened again because of those noble words.
Also, not only the voice of Mr. Nalin Silva in protecting Sambuddha Sasana, but also his creatively and logically written articles were collected for reading by hundreds of thousands of people of all ages.
All major newspapers today have published such presentations by Dr. Nalin de Silva for more than two and a half decades.
That is how Mr. Nalin de Silva got the opportunity to give guidance that can give more strength to the people of the country.
When our country faced the most dangerous situation in recent times by threatening the unitary state, he came forward and guided us. Working together with all the leaders involved in the national movement, including us, he gave tremendous guidance to handle the threat.
He fought with the opponents to defeat the anti-national forces.
At this time, we remember again and again with respect his opinion that this matter can be reversed, with the steadfastness of our three armed forces who were able to protect our country.
We thank you once again for the national service that you have rendered to the people of Sri Lanka, as the documents such as Mage Lokaya (My World) presented by Dr. Nalinda Silva in protecting Sinhala ethnicity, also Buddhism and Buddhist order, have been widely recognized nationally and internationally.
Doctor, who had understood the impermanence of the end of this journey, spent a long time to make the countrymen understand it, despite the criticisms, the strength of Buddhism became a blessing for his task.
He is our national hero. He is our Buddhist leader. That is why the Buddhist Congress expressed its agreement to hold the rites for this Buddhist leader in this venue. His body has not been brought to the country yet.
After the last rites are performed, ashes will be brought, to be paid respect by the countryman.
We all had the opportunity to work with him through difficult periods. At this time, the entire nation pays respect to the existence of the Sinhalese nation, the existence of the Buddha Order, the guidance and strength he has given to preserve these for the country for the future.
May Dr. Nalin de Silva attain the supreme bliss of nibbana!!
A group including Maha Sangha, Rajakiya Pandita Shastrapathi Thirikunamale Ananda Thera, Maha Nayaka of Amarapura Sri Dharma Rakshitha Maha Nikya, Ven. Elle Gunawansa Thera, Ven. Bengamuwe Nalaka Thera, Ven. Omare Kassapa Thera, Ven. Kongasthanne Ananda Thera, Ven. Murutthettuwe Ananda Thera, Former Presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, State Ministers, Members of Parliament, President of the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress Chandra Nimal Vakishta, Dr. Gunadasa Amarasekara, representatives of national organizations, and Dr. Nalin de Silva’s relatives participated in this event.
(The last rites of late Dr. Nalin de Silva was held in America)
Prime Minister’s Media