Ven. Dr. Gallelle Sumanasiri Thera, who was appointed as Chancellor of the Rajarata University in February, has reportedly tendered his resignation.
Ven. Sumanasiri Thera was appointed Chancellor of the Rajarata University on 10 February 2025.
It is reported that Ven. Sumanasiri Thera had tendered his resignation via a letter to the President’s Secretary.
In his letter, the Thera is said to have implied that he would consider the preservation of the Sangha harmony as more important than the position, if the position of Chancellor, which he assumed, causes division or creates discord in any way, or leads to a breakdown of the unity of the Sangha.
His resignation comes amidst controversy over his appointment, which was made following the removal of the Chief Incumbent of Ruwanweli Maha Seya Viharaya, Sastrapathi Pandita Ethalewatunu Wewe Gnanathilaka Thero from the position.
The Thero had served in that position since 2020 and was the first monk to be appointed as the Chancellor of the Rajarata University.
The Chancellorship is for a period of five years and Gnanathilaka Thero’s term was due to end this month, but the government had made a new appointment prior to the end of his tenure.
The Presidential Secretariat had not extended Gnanathilaka Thero’s term and instead, had appointed Ven. Sumanasiri Thero in his place.
Concerns had been raised by many on the new appointment to the post of Chancellor of the Rajarata University, which may have prompted the resignation of Ven. Dr. Gallelle Sumanasiri Thera. (Newswire)
