The cremation of Venerable Galboda Gnanissara Thera, will be held today at 4:30 pm at the temple grounds with full state honors. Since yesterday, thousands of mourners have flocked to the Gangarama Temple in Colombo to pay their respects.
The Maha Sangha, led by His Holiness Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, joined religious leaders and people of all faiths in honoring Dr. Gnanissara. President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Mrs. Maithree Wickremesinghe paid their last respects yesterday evening. Former Presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa and Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, and various ministers, diplomats, and international dignitaries were also in attendance.
Buddhists from across the island traveled by bus from distant villages, forming long queues to honor the late prelate. Numerous organizations provided food and drinks to the attendees, highlighting the spirit of community and reverence for Dr. Gnanissara’s legacy.