DHARAMSHALA: Ven Karma Gelek Yuthok, Kalon of the Department of Religion and Culture, Central Tibetan Administration, expressed his condolence at the demise of Dr Bellanwila Wimalaratana Thero, President of International Buddhist Confederation (IBC). Dr Bellanwila Wimalaratana Thero was elected as one of the eight presidents of IBC in November 2017, and was also a founding member of IBC.
“I am deeply saddened to know from the Secretariat of International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), New Delhi, India about the sudden demise of the Most Venerable Professor (Dr.) Bellanwila Wimalaratana Nayake Thero, Deputy Chief of Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya, Sri Lanka; Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayawardenepura, Sri Lanka; and Anunayaka of the Kotte Sri Kalyani Samagri Dhamma Maha Sangha Sabha of the Syamopali Maha Nikaya of Sri Lanka on 3rd February 2018. I, hereby, extend our profound condolences to the bereaved family members, students and associates of the late Venerable Nayake Thero and to the entire community of Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya,” Kalon expressed.
“The Most Venerable Prof. Bellanwila Wimalaratana Nayake Thero has remained throughout his life a noble human being, an exemplary Bhikkhu, an eminent Dhamma leader, a distinguished scholar, and an outstanding social worker. We highly appreciate the noble deeds of his life and will ever remain grateful to him for his contributions in furtherance of the causes of Dhamma and social welfare,” he said.
“May all the noble wishes of late Most Venerable Bellanwila Wimalaratana Nayake Thero be spontaneously fulfilled; may he swiftly attain the supreme state of Nibbana; and may you all be blessed by Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha,” he added.
Kalon Karma Gelek Yuthok is the Vice President of the International Buddhist Confederation.