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Established in 1841, Parama Dhamma Chethiya Pirivena has served not only as buddhist temple for spiritual consolation but also a prominent educational institution for monks and laity. It offers excellent education and has grown into a hub for social services, reconciliation, and global connections, educating hundreds of student-monks from around the world.
Parama Dhamma Chethiya Maha Pirivena, the pioneer of modern Piriven Education of Sri Lanka, was founded by Most Venerable Walane Sri Siddhartha Maha Thero in 1841. Since then, it has been not only a place for spiritual healing but also the home of many historical events in Sri Lanka and has become a landmark of Buddhist education for all laymen and monks.
Over the years, it has also become a hub for social services and reconciliation with its rich foreign and local affairs. The temple started with just 17 Student-Monks and today, it is a place of education for hundreds of Student-Monks from all over the world.
Read more about the history
Walane Sri Siddhartha Thero, who was descended from the student generation of the Asarana Sarana Saranankara Sangharaja Thero, the saviour of the Buddha-Sāsana (Buddha's Dispensation) in Sri Lanka, was famed as scholarly and erudite monk in the first half of the 19th century.
Some pious noble families in the capital were impressed by Siddhartha Thero’s fame and invited him to visit the village of Ratmalana, which is not far from the capital. Accepting it, Siddhartha Thero went to Ratmalana to observe Vassa-Retreat (Rains-Retreat) in May 1841, and he started observing Vassa-Retreat in a small shanty made of coconut leaves on the land donated by a pious nobleman, Don Jeranimus Senaviratne Ralahami.
It was the beginning of Parama Dhamma Chetiya Maha Pirivena.
From this humble shanty, the journey of teaching commenced with a modest assembly of two or three student-monks and soon, it grew to seventeen. These students, in time, emerged as stalwarts in the revival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Among them were notable figures like Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Thero, who contributed immensely for the triumph of Buddhists in religious debates such as Panadurawadaya and Baddegamawadaya and founded the famous Colombo, Maligakanda Vidyodhaya Pirivena in 1873, and Ratmalane Dhammaloka Thero, who founded Vidyalankara Pirivena in 1875, which later became the University of Kelaniya.
As the popularity grew, the number of students grew to over a hundred. Therefore, on the auspicious day of January 10, 1861, the splendid monastery, adorned with the library, the serene Avasa Mandiraya (living quarters) housing seven chambers, and three student-residences comprising twenty-one chambers, was opened. Henceforth, it was called "Parama Dhamma Chetiyarama," the place dedicated to the highest truths... Read more about Pirivena's history
Parama Dhamma Chethiya Maha Pirivena is the parent organization of many other educational, social and welfare organizations and societies. Nestled amidst serene surroundings, Parama Dhamma Chethiya Maha Pirivena stands as a beacon of spiritual enlightenment and communal harmony. Guided by Buddhism, Parama Dhamma Chethiya embark on noble endeavors nurturing souls and society. The The Pirivena educates monks, while the Dhamma School enlightens the young minds. The Pirivena's array of social welfare organizations serves to uplift the underprivileged while also educating the community, fostering unity, enhancing cooperation, raising awareness, and uniting people from diverse backgrounds. As a reconciliation hub, the Pirivena embrace unity, weaving a tapestry of peace.
Parama Dhamma Chethiya
Maha Pirivena
Wimalasara Thero embarked on his spiritual journey from Mahinda College, Galle, culminating in ordination under the revered Ven. Dr. Mapalagama Wipulasara Maha Thera in 1980. His quest for knowledge led him to prestigious institutions in India, including Calcutta University and Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi. From 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 esteemed positions like Director of the Pirivena and Hon. Vice President of the World Buddhist Sangha Council, Ven. Dr. Maitipe Wimalasara Thero continues to inspire and lead with unwavering dedication and wisdom.
Read about Chief Incumbent
