A number of distinguished persons including Speaker W. J. M. Lokubandara, Media Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, UNP Deputy Leader Karu Jayasuriya, Uva Chief Minister Gamini Vijith Wijayamuni Zoysa participated at the unveiling of Sir Cyril de Zoysa’s statue at Kataragama.

The Chief Incumbent of the Kiri Vehera, Ven. Aluthwala Soratha Thero chaired the public meeting that was held to mark this occasion.

Welcoming the distinguished visitors to Kataragama, Ven. Hille Gunananda Thero of the Sella Kataragama Dharma Nikethana Pirivena said that Sir Cyril contributed massively restoring the Kiri Vehera which had fallen into ruin and disrepair. Therefore, erecting a statue in his memory at Kataragama was most timely.

Ven. Galaboda Gnanissara (Podi Hamuduruvo) of the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya said that most countries threw up people essential to their well being at various times of their history. Sir Cyril who served the Senate for 14 years as President and Vice President had acquired great knowledge on Buddhism at a time when Buddhist literature was not readily available. At a time when it was difficult to complete restoring the Kiri Vehera, he took up the responsibility and invited Mr. Dudley Senanayake to erect the pinnacle at Kiri Vehera helping the Buddha Dharma to prosper at Kataragama.

Sir Cyril had also helped develop the Bellanwila Raja Maha Viharaya and the work he has done at the Kalutara Bodhi together with his brother V.T. de Zoysa and other lawyers was monumental.

Ven. Brahamanawatte Seevali Thero, Anunayake of the Amarapura Nikaya said that the erection of a statue of Sir Cyril at Kataragama for the great service he had rendered was most appropriate.

Ven. Henaduwe Gunananda Thero, Hony. Secretary of the Sri Lanka Sasana Arakshaka Balamandalaya said that Sir Cyril was both an ardent Buddhist leader and a great educationist.

Media and Information Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said that Sir Cyril had the iron will and determination of a true protector of the Buddhist religion and Sinhala culture. He was also a successful entrepreneur who had left his mark on the country.

Speaker Lokubandara said that Sir Cyril had the vision that was needed to develop the country while Mr. Karu Jayasuriya described Sir Cyril as a rare leader of great repute that this country had been blessed with.