Scroll down
Wipulasara Thero born in 1925, and was not only a revered monk but also a master in painting, sculpture, Buddhist art and cultural ambassador. He was the designer of Sri Lanka's national emblem and sculpted and restored sacred statues. His leadership transformed Parama Dhamma Chetiya Pirivena into a beacon of education, art, and global Buddhist diplomacy.
Chief Incumbent
1960 - 2000
Wipulasara Thero born in 1925, and was not only a revered monk but also a master in painting, sculpture, Buddhist art and cultural ambassador.
He was the designer of Sri Lanka's national emblem and sculpted and restored sacred statues. His leadership transformed Parama Dhamma Chetiya Pirivena into a beacon of education, art, and global Buddhist diplomacy.
Ven. Dr. Mapalagama Wipulasara Thero was born on March 3, 1925, in the village of Mapalagama in the Galle District of Sri Lanka. He began his education at Paranthaneyamgoda Government School. At the age of 15, he entered the monastic order on July 14, 1940, at Parama Dhamma Chetiya Maha Pirivena in Ratmalana, and he received his Higher Ordination on February 18, 1946.
He had his basic Pirivena education at Agalawatte and later he entered the Vidyodaya Pirivena, Maligakanda, Maradana, and pursued his higher studies. Deeply passionate about painting, sculpting, and the study of aesthetics, it was Prof. Dr. Gunapala Malalasekera who recognized this young monk's artistic talent. He introduced him to the J.D.A. Perera, the Principal of the National School of Fine Arts. Over the next three years, he honed his skills at the School of Fine Arts. Not only was he courageous, but he also emerged as a leader by forming an association of highly talented artists known as the “Jatika Kala Peramuna.”
To deepen his knowledge and appreciation of international Buddhist art, he embarked on extensive travels to countries including India, Pakistan, Nepal, Japan, China, Thailand, and Burma. These journeys not only enriched his understanding but also helped him gain an international reputation in the 1950s, establishing him as a prominent figure in the realm of Buddhist art.
Wipulasara Thero produced exceptional artworks across various traditional art forms, including Gok-kola (Coconut-leaf) decoration, Kolam, puppetry, and Kohombakankariya: an exorcism ritual in Sri Lanka. He particularly excelled in Gok-kola decoration and creative art. During the Buddha Jayanthi year in 1956, his decorations garnered high praise from international dignitaries, including Prince Mikasa of Japan, as well as other foreign and local VIPs.
A versatile artist with a refined aesthetic sense, Mapalagama Wipulasara Thero showcased a unique creative ability across various fields, particularly in painting and sculpture. He became a household name as a master sculptor of Buddha statues, gaining widespread recognition for his temple paintings and exquisite Buddhist sculptures. Notably, he restored the broken nose of the Anuradhapura Samadhi statue under the guidance of Prof. Senarath Paranavithana.
His impressive body of work includes renowned Buddha sculptures at Ananda College in Colombo, the Presidential Residence, a replica of the Avukana Buddha statue at BMICH, and Sambuddhaloka Temple in Fort. He also contributed to the aesthetic of Nugegoda Kandawatte Kosinna Rajamaha Vihara, Walukaramaya in Kollupitiya, and numerous other Buddhist temples worldwide. Additionally, Wipulasara Thero reconstructed the Buddha statue at Maligawila, restoring it to its original grandeur. His artistry extended to the creation of statues of Ven. Hikkaduwa Sri Sumangala Thero at Vidyodaya Pirivena, Maligakanda, and Anagarika Dharmapala at Viharamaha Devi Gardens.
The national emblem of the Republic of Sri Lanka is one of Wipulasara Thero's remarkable creations. In 1972, he had the distinguished honor of designing and crafting the official emblem of Sri Lanka under the guidance of Dr. Nissanka Wijeyeratne, the Chairman of the Emblem and Flag Design Committee at the time, with artistic work by S.M. Seneviratne.
When Pope John Paul II visited Sri Lanka, Ven. Wipulasara Thero was instrumental in planning and constructing the stage that beautifully showcased the country’s rich cultural heritage. He also oversaw the erection of an attractive pandal and pavilion for the event.
In 1974, at the invitation of Pope John Paul II, he traveled to Vatican City, Rome, where he explored the art galleries and studied various creative works. While there, he visited St. Peter’s Basilica and other significant sites, conducting an in-depth examination of the frescoes and sculptures. This visit marked a pivotal moment in his artistic career.
Ven. Wipulasara Thero was a pioneer in utilizing fiberglass to create Buddha statues and other artistic works, introducing a novel concept to the field.
After the demise of Walane Sattissara Maha Thero, the teacher of Wipulasara Thero, on January 14, 1960, he was appointed as the Chief Incumbent of the Parama Dhamma Chetiya Maha Pirivena, the pioneer of modern Piriven Education in Sri Lanka and also the director of Parivenacharya Abyasa Vidyalaya which was the first of its kind. Wipulasara Maha Thero transformed Parama Dhamma Chetiya Pirivena into not only an esteemed educational institution but also an exceptional art gallery, an international Buddhist center, and a powerful social service center respected throughout the Buddhist world. As a dedicated Buddhist missionary, Wipulasara Thero played a vital role in propagating Buddhism around the globe. A significant aspect of his work was his support for Buddhist monks engaged in missionary activities at Parama Dhamma Chetiya Maha Pirivena, where he collaborated with Dr. Ven. Kirinde Sri Dhammananda Nayaka Thero, the esteemed High Priest of Malaysia.
Ven. Wipulasara held numerous prestigious positions, including Chief President of the Sri Lanka Buddhist Congress and High Priest, while also serving as an adviser to over 18 national and international organizations. He played a vital role in many of these organizations, often as chairman. Notably, he chaired the Sri Lanka–Japan Centre Association and served as secretary of the Sri Lanka–Korea Cultural Society.
Ven. Wipulasara was an exceptional Buddhist diplomat, fostering warm and cordial relationships with the global community. He believed that Buddhism served as a golden thread, connecting nations and cultures.
In recognition of his remarkable contributions to both art and Buddhism, the Government of Sri Lanka honored him with the prestigious title of “Kalasuri” in 1984, a testament to his artistic achievements. Additionally, he received numerous accolades, including the Twentieth Century Award for Achievement from the International Biographical Centre in Cambridge, UK, celebrating his outstanding efforts in cultural propagation.
The University of Chulalongkorn in Thailand awarded him an honorary Doctorate, while the Vidyalankara Pirivena in Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, conferred upon him the esteemed title of “Sahithya Chakravarthi.”
From 1961 to 1963, he conducted extensive research on aesthetics, focusing on art, crafts, paintings, and sculpture in countries such as China, Mongolia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, and Myanmar. He showcased his talent through exhibitions in the Soviet Union and China in 1961 and 1963, respectively. Today, Wipulasara Thero’s distinguished artworks are celebrated and exhibited worldwide, with notable displays in Sri Lanka, India, Japan, China, New York, Australia, and Germany.
Wipulasara Thero also provided invaluable service in spreading Sri Lankan culture internationally and was known as the "unofficial cultural ambassador."
During his tenure, numerous significant constructions and improvements were made at Parama Dhamma Chetiya Maha Pirivena. The two-storied Siddhartha Mandira was built, along with several modern rooms to accommodate guests, including foreign visitors. A modern Daana Shala (Dining Hall) was constructed, as well as a pandal with a wahalkada at the entrance to the Pirivena. The Bhavana Mandira (Meditation Hall) and a two-storied international library were also established. Additionally, a charity system for the destitute and a clinic for public welfare were initiated during this period.
As a result of Wipulasara Maha Thero's strong foreign relations, missionaries from countries such as China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, and Burma often visited the Pirivena. Additionally, foreign student-monks from these countries came to study at the Pirivena, enhancing its international reputation and fostering a diverse learning environment.
The Wipulasara era is considered to be the golden era of Parama Dhamma Chethiya Maha Pirivena. Venerable Kalasuri Dr. Mapalagama Wipulasara Maha Thero, a guiding light for Parama Dhamma Chetiya Maha Pirivena, the Buddhist order, and the country, as well as a significant figure in Buddhist art and the global Buddhist community, passed away on October 29, 2000, at the age of seventy-five.
Articles
Images
Close sources and credit
