• He was ordained as a monk at Gangaramaya in 1954
• Ven. Gnanissara Thera was the pioneer in starting up the annual Navam Perahera in 1979

By Yohan Perera 

Closing the curtain on the illustrious life of an eminent saffron-clad personality, Chief Incumbent of Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo Ven. Galboda Gnanissara Thera commonly known as ‘Podi Hamuduruwo’ passed away yesterday at the age of 81.   

Ven. Gnanissara Thera, is the esteemed Chief Incumbent of Gangaramaya Temple. Born on December 14, 1943, Podi Hamuduruwo dedicated his life to the practice and propagation of Buddhist principles, guided by a profound commitment to compassion, equality, and service to humanity.  Despite facing numerous personal challenges and adversities throughout his life, Podi Hamuduruwo’s unwavering faith and resilience have inspired countless individuals across Sri Lanka and beyond.  Podi Hamuduruwo’s visionary leadership has transformed

Gangaramaya Temple into a dynamic centre of spiritual growth, education, and community empowerment. Through his guidance, the temple has spearheaded various initiatives, including vocational training programmes, educational workshops, and humanitarian projects, aimed at uplifting the lives of people from all walks of life.   

Ven. Gnanissara Thera was the pioneer in starting up the annual Navam Perahera in 1979. The perahera has become a major cultural event in the city and has been attracting foreign tourists annually.   

A successful Navam Maha Perahera is held annually in the month of Navam (February) with many innovations. In 1979, the first Perahera was conducted in all its pageantry and flair.   

The Thera was born on December 13, 1943 in Galboda, a hamlet in the Southern Province. He entered religious life with the influence of the Late Venerable Parawahara Devananda Thera and Venerable Morontuduwe Dhammananda Thera. 

He was ordained as a monk at Gangaramaya in 1954.  

A state funeral for Ven.Thera will be conducted on August 5 at 4.30 pm in the ground opposite the temple. His remains will lie at the temple from 6.00 am today.     

• A state funeral for Ven.Thera will be conducted on August 5 at 4.30 pm in the ground opposite the temple