Hswagata Buddha Tooth Relics Preservation Museum Mourns the Passing of Rev. Kowane Palitha Thero

 Hswagata Buddha Tooth Relics Preservation Museum Mourns the Passing of Rev. Kowane Palitha Thero

With deep soka (grief) and mindful upekkha (equanimity), the Hswagata Buddha Tooth Relics Preservation Museum announces the passing today in Sri Lanka of Rev. Kowane Palitha Thero, Patron of the Museum. We were notified of this sad news by Madam Hansamali Fernando earlier today.

Rev. Kowane Palitha Thero was a steadfast kalyana-mitta (spiritual friend) to our mission to preserve, study, and respectfully venerate the Buddha’s dhatu (relics). His guidance consistently emphasized sacca (integrity), hiri-ottappa (conscientious care), and making the Dhamma accessible to communities near and far. Four weeks ago, he kindly informed us of his intention to visit Myanmar, and we were in direct phone contact to prepare the itinerary for that visit. We had looked forward to welcoming him and benefiting from his counsel.

“Rev. Palitha Thero’s quiet strength and unwavering metta (loving-kindness) shaped our work in visible and invisible ways,” said the Museum’s Custodian. “His encouragement kept our standards high and our hearts steady. We dedicate the puñña (merit) of our work to his memory.”

In recent years, Rev. Palitha Thero supported samagga (harmonious) dialogue across monasteries and lay communities, encouraged sīla-sampadā (excellence in ethical practice) in preservation, and inspired our volunteers and researchers to pair saddha (devotion) with viriya (diligence). His passing is a profound loss to all who value the living continuity of the Buddha’s sāsana (dispensation).

At this time, funeral arrangements and observances in Sri Lanka will be announced by those responsible locally. The Museum will share verified details when available. In the meantime, we invite the faithful to transfer merit (puññānumpadāna) in his name, observe a moment of sati (mindfulness), and keep his compassionate example alive through acts of dāna (generosity), sacca-vacana (truthful speech), and dayā (compassion).

A condolence book will be opened at the Hswagata Buddha Tooth Relics Preservation Museum. Friends and well-wishers who cannot attend in person may send messages of remembrance to the email below; these will be preserved respectfully in our archival record.

Media & Condolences

The Office Of Siridantamahapalaka
The Hswagata Buddha Tooth Relics Preservation Museum
Email: siridantamahapalaka@gmail.com
Website: www.hswagata.com

3rd.Nov.2025

About the Hswagata Buddha Tooth Relics Preservation Museum

The Hswagata Buddha Tooth Relics Preservation Museum is dedicated to the ethical preservation, study, and public education surrounding the Buddha’s sacred dhātu (relics). Through careful curation, research, and community programs, the Museum seeks to connect saddhā (faithful confidence) with paññā (clear wisdom) and responsible stewardship.

May Rev. Kowane Palitha Thero’s legacy of karuṇā (compassion) and paññā (clarity) continue to guide our work. Anicca vata saṅkhārā—impermanent indeed are conditioned things (Dhp 277). May he be honored through our wholesome deeds. I may be mistaken about the exact verse numbering; please check all references.