Mapalagama Vipulasara Thero, artist monk who excelled at home and abroad

Kalasuri Mapalagama Vipulasara, the veteran monk, was born on March 2, 1925 in the Mapalagama village in Southern Sri Lanka. He was ordained as a novice by Venerable Satthisara Maha Swamindra on July 14, 1940. He rendered an unsurpassed service to the Sambuddha Sasana for more than half a century and passed away on October 20, 2000 with last Oct. 25th marking both his birth centenary and his 25th death anniversary. Hence this article.

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According to the teachings of the Buddha, Ven. Vipulasara was an exceptional monk, the like of whom is difficult to find. The name Vipulasara signified wisdom and insight and it is no exaggeration to say that his passing has left a void that cannot be easily filled. He was so committed to social service including public welfare until the end of his life so that his name remains remembered today.

As the Head of the Ratmalana Paramadhamma Chetiya Pirivena, the service he rendered towards its current revival is immeasurable. The most important of these is the rehabilitation and development of the Paramadhamma Chetiya Pirivena, still considered as the main centre for monastic education in the low country. Students who achieved best results by passing both sangha-related as well as the government examinations continue to serve the dhamma all over the world.

Students from countries such as Nepal, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia and China continue their education at the institution he built and propagate the dhamma. He always appointed well-educated monks to lead the Pirivena. Among them, the late Professor Bellanwila Wimalarathana Thero, Raja Pandita Andawala Devasiri Thero and Dr. Medagama Vajiranana Thero should be acknowledged with great respect.