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Walane Sattissara Maha Thero, a student of Walane Dhammananda and Sooriyagoda Sumangala Theros, became Chief Incumbent of Parama Dhamma Chetiya Pirivena in 1942. His leadership saw the Pirivena's restoration during the harsh time of World War II, construction of its elegant stupa, and establishment of Sri Lanka’s first Piriven Teachers Training College.
Chief Incumbent
1942 - 1960
Walane Sattissara Maha Thero, a student of Walane Dhammananda and Sooriyagoda Sumangala Theros, became Chief Incumbent of Parama Dhamma Chetiya Pirivena in 1942.
His leadership saw the Pirivena's restoration during the harsh time of World War II, construction of its elegant stupa, and establishment of Sri Lanka’s first Piriven Teachers Training College.
Walane Sattissara Maha Thero was a student of both Walane Dhammananda Thero and Sooriyagoda Sumangala Thero. He had been serving as the Acting Chief Incumbent of Parama Dhamma Chethiya Maha Pirivena during Sooriyagoda Sumangala Thero's time abroad. However, Sattissara Thero became the permanent Chief Incumbent in 1942, following Sumangala Thero's departure from the monkhood while in England.
Walane Sattissara Maha Thero demonstrated immense dedication to the development of the Pirivena. During the harsh period of the Second World War, his indomitable courage and efforts kept the Pirivena operational. Around 1935, the Pirivena’s building, along with the Sri Siddhartha Library, was in a dilapidated state. With the assistance of Sir John Kothalawala, the then Minister of Highways and Industries, a council was convened under his chairmanship. This effort, along with support from His Majesty the King of Cambodia, led to the restoration and securing of the building. Additionally, the elegant stupa of the Pirivena was constructed during Sattissara Maha Thero's tenure.
Another significant national achievement during the tenure of Sattissara Maha Thero was the establishment of the Parivenacharya Abyasa Vidyalaya (Piriven Teachers Training College). Founded on the occasion of the 2500th Buddha Jayanti, this institution was the first of its kind in Sri Lanka, dedicated to training Piriven teachers. This college was initially established on the grounds of Parama Dhamma Chetiya Pirivena, thanks to the tireless efforts of Prof. Gunapala Malalasekara, a renowned Buddhist scholar and then-president of the All-Ceylon Buddhist Federation, under the guidance of Sattissara Maha Thero. Later, the training college was relocated to the Avissawella area.
Walane Sattissara Thero, who rendered invaluable service to Parama Dhamma Chetiya Pirivena and the nation, passed away on the same day as his teacher, Walane Dhammananda Thero, on January 7, 1960.
