The Government has declared Monday September 3 as a day of national mourning as a mark of respect the Most Venerable Weweldeniye Medhalankara Thero, the Chief Prelate of the Ramannya Nikaya, who passed away last week.

The Mahanayake Thero was 103 years old at the time of his death.

Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration P.B. Abeykoon has announced that Monday has been declared a day of national mourning, when the final rites of the Chief Prelate will take place.

Accordingly, all liquor shops and bars will be closed on Monday.

The funeral will be conducted with full state honors at the D.S. Senanayake National School ground at Meerigama, in Gampaha district.