EX-MP Samitha Thera passes away

Former MP and Provincial Councillor Ven. Baddegama Samitha Thera passed away yesterday. He was 68.

He passed away while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Matara.

Ven. Baddegama Samitha Thera was the first ever Buddhist monk to be elected to Parliament. He was a member of Parliament representing the Galle District from 2001 to 2004 and also represented the Southern Provincial Council under the United People’s Freedom Alliance.