A life dedicated to Dhamma, Nation

THE ENDURING LEGACY OF THE MOST VENERABLE ANAMADUWE SRI RATHANAPALA BUDDHARAKKHITA DHAMMADASSI ANUNAYAKE MAHA THERA

- By Madipola Wimalajothi Thero

The Buddhist Sangha community in Sri Lanka and globally mourns the untimely demise of the Most Venerable Anamaduwe Sri Rathanapala Buddharakkhita Dhammadassi Anunayake Thera of the Asgiri Maha Vihara Chapter of the Siam Sect, who passed away on July 21, 2025, at the age of 67.

His life was a profound embodiment of unwavering dedication, remarkable scholarship, and tireless service across religious, cultural, educational, and social spheres, leaving an indelible mark on the nation and the wider Buddhist world.

Born on September 3, 1958, in Anamaduwa, his early education at Anamaduwa Central College and Maliyadeva College in Kurunegala laid the groundwork for his spiritual journey. On May 19, 1976, he was ordained as a Theravada Buddhist monk at the historic Asgiri Maha Viharaya, Kandy, under the revered guidance of the Most Venerable Udugama Sri Buddharakkhita Maha Nayake Thera and the Most Venerable Waduragala Rathanajothi Maha Thera. His higher ordination (Upasampada) followed on May 20, 1979, solidifying his commitment to monastic discipline.