KANDY - "The late Venerable Ambanwelle, Pagnasekara Anunayake Thera gained a reputation as a disciplined and devoted member of the Sangha and the advice I received from the learned prelate was an asset to me," President Mahinda Rajapaksa said in a message of condolence on the death of the Prelate, read at the cremation.

The message was presented at the cremation on Saturday(11) afternoon by the Plantation Industries Minister D. M. Jayaratne.

The State cremation was held at the Kandy Police grounds in the presence of a large gathering of mourners comprising the clergy and laymen.

The late prelate born in 1925, entered the Sangha in 1940. He displayed brilliance in studies and received recognition by being awarded prestigious prizes and honours, the President said, conveying his sympathies to the Mahanayke Thera of Malwatte and the members of the chapter.

The Governor Central Province, Tikiri Kobbekaduwa presented a message from Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayke.

The Prime Minister said that the late prelate while himself being disciplined member of the Sangha had taken a keen interest in promoting moral behaviour among the rich elite.

His demise was an irreparable loss, the PM said.

Parliamentarian Karu Jayasuriya, Deputy Leader of the UNP, conveyed the message of condolence from the UNP and Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela also spoke.

Anusasanas were delivered by Ven. Dr. Niyangoda Sri Vijithasiri, Anunayake Thera of Malwatte, Ven. Walgowwagoda Wimalabuddhi Thera, secretary Malwatte chapter, Ven. Anamaduwe Dhammdassi, Secretary Asgiriya chapter Ven. Balangoda Sobhitha, Sanghanayake Thera and Ven. Dimbulkumbure Wimlasdhama Thera.

Ven. Prof. Welamitiyawa Kusaladhamma Thera, Sanghanayake and chancellor, University of Kelaniya, Ven. Dr. Vianne Fernando, Roman Catholic Bishop of the Central Province, Minister C. B. Ratnayake, Chief Secretary, P. G. Amarakoon, Kandy G. A. Gotabhaya Jayaratne, Senior DIG Gamini Navaratne, DIG Central Pujith Jayasundara, SSP Jayantha Gammanpila and Mr. Priyantha Kariyapperuma, Chairman Telecommunication Regulatory commission were among those present.