Most Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thero-A Singularly Unique Personality
by M. Zulkifli Nazim
( November 9, 2015, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) Most Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thero, the chief incumbent of the Kotte Naga Vihara, a most wonderful, profoundly honoured and an august personality left us at a very crucial time when he is needed the most. The Sadness, sorrowfulness and poignancy on his bereavement is beyond comprehension. The desolation and depression rammed into us like a pile driver, only when we knew that he is no more with us. The dedication, allegiance and commitment to build a society free from corruption, degeneracy and putrescence by establishing his People’s Movement For Just Society is ingrained in the hearts and minds of the people of Sri Lanka, irrespective of race, religion, caste or creed. This move has accorded a prominent place in the modern history of Sri Lanka as the man who fought tooth and nail to restore, rejuvenate and reinstate the dying democracy in Sri Lanka.
On this hallowed day of Poson Poya this year (2015) The Most Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thero delivered one of the finest of speeches ever made. This sermon is full of guidance to those who are governing the country, counselling the masses, the general citizenry of our beloved country, steering them onto a path of righteousness, Warning of the disasters, calamities and cataclysms that would befall them and reduce them to extreme ruin and misfortune if they continue their evil ways of wallowing in crapulence, gambling, drug additcion and corruption. The warning extended not only to those indulging in such practices; but also those who perpetrate and promote such vicious evil and wickedness.
This great voice has now been quietened.
A great personality, totally selfless, altruistic and showing unselfish concern for the welfare of the country and its people, brought about some unification in an otherwise unruly political system, bringing together, the opposition, the trade unions, rights groups and the various professions including the academics.
The people of this country who are now eulogizing this unique personality can show their sincerity and dedication to this great prelate only if they can follow and emulate what he stood for and preached. Instead of just hot air and empty rhetoric let us all get together to implement and follow through where he has directed and struggled to channel the leaders and our nation.
May he, The Most Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thero, attain the highest state of Nirvana in complete bliss.
