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Wimalasara Thero has been serving as Dharma Ambassador around the world. Serving as Chief Administrator at Buddhagaya Vihara to spearheading the Dharma Vijaya Buddhist Vihara in Los Angeles, his tireless efforts in propagating Buddhism internationally have been unparalleled. In 2015, he assumed the mantle of Chief Incumbent at Parama Dhamma Chetiya Maha Pirivena. Holding several esteemed positions in international buddhist forums, Ven. Dr. Maitipe Wimalasara Thero continues to inspire and lead with unwavering dedication and wisdom.
Dr. Maitipe Wimalasara Thero was born in 1959 in the picturesque village of Maitipe near Galle town. He received his early education at Mahinda College, Galle. In 1980, at the age of 20, he entered monkhood under the esteemed Mapalagama Vipulasara Maha Thero and was ordained in 1981. Wimalasara Thero earned his bachelor's and postgraduate degrees from the renowned Calcutta University and Banaras Hindu University in India. An expert in both Oriental studies and languages, he has dedicated himself to propagating Buddhism internationally, particularly in India and the United States.
In the year 2015, Wimalasara Thero became Chief Incumbent and Principal of Parama Dhamma Chethia Maha Pirivena by the unanimous vote of the Sangha Council. Under his leadership, Dr. Maitipe Wimalasara Thero is advancing the pirivena and expanding its services to new heights.
Walane Sri Siddhartha Thero, a disciple in the lineage of the Asarana Sarana Sarankara Sangharaja Thero, went to Ratmalana in May 1841 to observe the Vassa Retreat. There, he commenced his retreat in a modest shelter made from coconut leaves and began imparting Dhamma education to a small group of novice monks, thereby laying the foundation for the Parama Dhamma Chetiya Maha Pirivena. Read more
Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Maha Thero, among the first seventeen students of Parama Dhamma Chetiya Maha Pirivena, played a pivotal role in securing victories for the Buddhist side in religious debates such as the Panadura Controversy and Baddega Controversy. In 1873, he established the Maligakanda Vidyodaya Pirivena in Colombo, sparking a renaissance in Dharma education across the island. Read more
After Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Thero, Morapitiye Atthadassi Thero, who was among the first student monks of Parama Dhamma Chethiya Maha Pirivena, assumed the position of Chief Incumbent from 1870 onwards.
After Morapitiye Atthadassi Thero, Denipitiye Sangharakkhita Thero, a prominent figure among the initial student monks of Parama Dhamma Chetiya Maha Pirivena, assumed the role of Chief Incumbent.
Ratmalane Sumanatissa Thero, another student of Walane Siddhartha Thero, succeeded Denipitiye Sangharakkhita Thero.
During the tenure of Walane Dhammananda Thero, a distinguished disciple of Sri Siddhartha Thero, Parama Dhamma Chetiya Pirivena flourished. It was under his leadership that the Pirivena, previously known as "Parama Dhamma Chetiyarama," was established as "Parama Dhamma Chetiya Pirivena." Additionally, during his tenure, the sacred "Gem Statue" was brought to the temple, and an elegant Dharma hall was constructed. Read more
After Walane Dhammananda Maha Thero, Aruggoda Seelananda Thero assumed the position of Chief Incumbent.
After Aruggoda Seelananda Thero, Bendiyamulle Dhammarathana Thero, a former student of Parama Dhamma Chetiya Pirivena, became the Chief Incumbent. In 1925, he founded Pahalgama Vidyaravinda Pirivena in Gampaha.
Bendiyamulle Dhammarathana Thero was succeeded by Pimbure Vachissara Thera. In 1930, he founded Agalawatta Prathiraja Pirivena.
After Pimbure Vachissara Thero, Yatipawwe Medhananda Thero assumed the position of Chief Incumbent.
Sooriyagoda Sumangala Thero, who was a former student of Parama Dhamma Chetiya Maha Pirivena, was a very talented monk who also held the position of Chief Incumbent. He made history by becoming the first monk to pass the Bachelor of Arts (BA) examination in English medium. Additionally, he worked as a lecturer at the University of Ceylon and had the honor of being the first monk to travel to England for postgraduate studies.
During the challenging period of the Second World War, it was Walane Sattissara Maha Thero who upheld the Pirivena with unwavering dedication. Under his leadership, the dilapidated Pirivena building and Sri Siddhartha Library were restored, with the assistance of Sir John Kothalawala and His Majesty the King of Cambodia. Additionally, an elegant stupa was erected within the Pirivena grounds. Another significant achievement during his tenure was the establishment of the Piriven Teacher Training College at Parama Dhamma Chetiya Pirivena, marking a crucial milestone in national education. Read more
Parama Dhamma Chetiya Maha Pirivena gained international renown during the esteemed tenure of Mapalagama Vipulasara Thero, and regarded as its golden era. Apart from his scholarly achievements, Vipulasara Thero was an exceptional artist and was the one designed the state emblem of the Republic of Sri Lanka and meticulously restored the damaged nose of the Samadhi Buddha statue in Anuradhapura. His contributions extended beyond national borders as he played a pivotal role in promoting Sri Lankan culture abroad, earning him the epithet of "Unofficial Cultural Ambassador." Read more
After Mapalagama Vipulasara Maha Thero, Madapatha Dhammasara Thero, one of his esteemed students, assumed the position of Chief Incumbent. Renowned not only for his spiritual leadership but also for his artistic talents, Madapatha Dhammasara Thero was celebrated as a skilled songwriter and painter and it was he who established the studio in Pirivena.
Dr. Maitipe Wimalasara Maha Thero, a disciple of Mapalagama Vipulasara Maha Thero, has been an international Buddhist missionary. He pursued higher education at Calcutta University and Varanasi Hindu University, dedicating himself to international dharma propagation. His roles included serving as the chief administrator of Buddhagaya Temple in India, chief secretary of its Buddhist council, and the inaugural Chief Incumbent of Dharma Vijaya Buddhist Temple in Los Angeles, USA. While actively engaged in spreading Dharma globally, especially in the Western world, he accepted the esteemed position of Chief Incumbent at Parama Dhamma Pirivena. Continuing the grand legacy of his mentor, he directs Parama Dhamma Chetiya Maha Pirivena not only as a distinguished Buddhist education institute but also as a center for social services and fostering harmony in society. Read more
