A large gathering of around 30 Buddhist priests, Sri Lankan Buddhists and Diplomatic Corps paid their last respects to Most Venerable Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Mahanayake Thera of the Asgiriya Chapter of Sri Lanka, at the Official Residence of Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner in Singapore.

Buddharakkitha Thera passed away this morning at the Mount Elizabeth Orchard Hospital, Singapore. He had arrived in Singapore last month and was being treated at the hospital since then.

As instructed by President Maithripala Sirisena, Minister of Buddha Sasana Karu Jayasuriya and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mangala Samaraweera, the Acting High Commissioner of the Sri Lanka High Commission in Singapore Wishwanath Aponsu along with staff of the High Commission attended to all the formalities regarding the passing away of the Chief Prelate.

The remains of Buddharakkitha Mahanayaka Thera were placed at the official residence of the High Commissioner at No. 76 Andrew Road, Singapore from 2.30pm to 3.30pm on Wednesday, a release by the High Commission said.

The remains of the Most Venerable Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Mahanayaka Thera will be flown to Sri Lanka from Singapore on board flight UL 309. The flight left Singapore at 7.50pm local time and is expected to reach Katunayake at 9.10pm.