The Chief Prelate of the Amarapura Maha Nikaya, Most Venerable Dodampahala Chandrasiri Thero has passed away at the age of 84, while receiving treatment at a hospital in Colombo.
Succeeding the late Most Venerable Aggamahapandita Kotugoda Dhammavasa Mahanayaka Thero, Most Ven. Dodampahala Chandrasiri Mahanayake Thero was appointed as the Chief Prelate of the Amarapura Maha Nikaya on July 20, 2021.
The Mahanayaka Thero was born on December 20, 1939, at Dodampahala in the Southern Province and his parents were Ediriweera Patabandige Saranelis Silva, and Edirisuriya Patabandige Misinona.
After receiving his early childhood education from Dodampahala Central High School, the Thero entered the monkhood at the age of 11 at Walukarama monastery, Kudawella, and received his early monastic education at Wiraba Pirivena in Matara and at Vidyaloka Pirivena in Galle.
Most Ven. Dodampahala Chandrasiri Mahanayake Thero was appointed the Mahanayaka of the Kalyanivamsa chapter in 2013 prior to which he served as the deputy Maha Nayaka Thero and Nayaka Thero in charge of legal affairs of that chapter.
The Venerable Maha Thero has also served as the deputy president and the President of the Amarapura Maha Sangha Sabha representing all 22 fraternities of the Amarapura Chapter.
