The senior monk said leadership posts should not be held for life and called for younger members of the Sangha to be given greater responsibility.
Ven. Dr. Omalpe Sobhitha Thera has resigned as Chief Sangha Nayaka of the Southern Province of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya after serving in the position for 14 years.
The decision was announced at a special meeting of the Southern Province Maha Sangha Sabha held on 11 July at Sirimangala Piriven Viharaya.
Explaining his decision, the Thera said leadership positions should not become lifetime appointments and that younger monks should be given opportunities to take on active responsibilities within the Sasana.
He also argued that Sangha Nayaka titles should be linked to meaningful service rather than awarded only as honorary distinctions late in life.
Appointed to the position in 2012, Ven. Sobhitha Thera had also overseen a network of temples and educational institutions. Before stepping down, he transferred responsibility for 14 such institutions to disciples and other monks.
The resignation may prompt wider discussion about succession, accountability and generational renewal within Buddhist institutions, although appointments and internal governance remain matters for the relevant monastic bodies.
