1958
The Origin of Mallikarama Maha Viharaya
When Justice of the Peace Mr. D.J Kodithuwakku Hewamallika asked Ven. Weligama Gnanarathna Mahanayake Thero, who had been staying at Wajirarama Temple at the time, to inform anything that the Thero needed, and Venerable Thero acknowledged that it would be better for him to arrange residence near Colombo. At that time, Soysa Estate was being plotted for land development. Thus bought a plot of land about 30 perches suitable for a temple and offered it to the Buddhist monastic order in the afternoon of the 28th of May 1958. Work on the temple commenced with the cutting of the first sod at around 2:35 PM and the laying of the first foundation stone at around 8:10 PM on the same day.
Important places located in the temple
Sacred places located in the Mallikarama temple
The Sacred Bodhi Tree
The sacred bodhi tree, located within the serene grounds of the Mallikarama Maha Vihara, was planted at the beginning of the temple’s establishment and has stood for decades. It provides a tranquil spot for monks and laypersons alike to meditate and contemplate the profound teachings of Buddhism, while also receiving the prayers and reverence of devotees who visit the temple
The Sacred Stupa
The sacred stupa, which stands in the grounds of the Mallikarama temple in eternal peace, carries the relics of Lord Buddha and calmly invites pilgrims to participate in rituals, reflect on their spiritual journey, and find solace in the Buddha’s teachings.
The Shrine Room
As visitors walk through the spiritual haven of the Mallikarama Maha Vihara, they encounter the temple as an epitome of Sri Lankan artistry and devotion. Within the temple complex, the Shrine Room stands adorned with exquisite frescoes and idols crafted in homage to the Buddha. This sacred space invites devotees to deepen their faith and further refine their spiritual journey
Heritage of the Temple
The Mallikarama Maha Viharaya, which has flourished for more than sixty years, has made significant contributions to the advancement of the sacred Sri Saddharma preached by Thiloguru Samma Sambuddha. It is a noble land that has hosted many respected monks who have left an indelible mark on the Buddhist history of Sri Lanka.
The Present Chief Incumbent (Viharadhipati)
Chief Incumbent of Ratmalana Mallikarama Maha Viharaya and Wellawatta Sri Vijayaramaya, Deputy Chief Sanghanayaka of Amarapura Sri Dharmarakshitha Mahanikaya, Co-Registrar of Tat Nikaya, Royal Scholar, Tripitakavedi, His Holiness Ranasgalle Gnanaweera Thero
Place of birth
Ranasgalla Village in Kurunegala (North Western Province)Date of birth
27-11-1958Family details
Mother, Somavati Peiris.
Father, Jayasinghe Arachchi’s Deera Sekara
The family consists of five sisters and one brother.Lay name
G. A. SiriwardenaBecame A Monk
On 16-03-1970, he was handed over to His Holiness Madihe Panjaseeha Mahanayaka Thero by his parents at Vidiyawatta village, Alavwa. On the same day, he was handed over to Weligama Gnanaratana Nayaka Thero, who served as the chief incumbent of Ratmalana Mallikaramaya.The Date of Ordination21-05-1970
Year of Upasampada
1978
Educational activities He received his basic education from Mallikarama Maha Viharastha Sri Dharmarakshitha Tripitaka Dharmayatana Primary School, earned a Tripitaka Bachelor's degree from Buddha Srawaka Dharma Peetaya, obtained a royal pandit degree from Sri Lanka Prachina Bhashopakara Company, and received a Bachelor of Arts (Honors) degree from Kelaniya University.
Services To Sasanaya At the Viharastha Sri Dharma Rakshi Tripitaka Dharmayatana, he served as a teacher and later as the principal of Siri Vajiranana Dhamma School, providing invaluable religious service. Additionally, he disseminated the teachings of Dhamma to the entire country and worldwide audiences through audio-visual media.
Religious Services
Together with the Viharastha Gamini Young Buddhist Society, Task Force Society, and Pisaka Kulagana Society, they embarked on a noble religious mission in the local area and throughout the country
National & Social Services The Mallikarama Sarana Foundation was established and played a crucial role in providing more than 2000 artificial legs to the war heroes who lost their limbs during the thirty-year brutal war in the country. Moreover, during the war season, reached the northern and eastern border villages and dedicated efforts to make those areas habitable for the people. Additionally, the three armed forces, along with the police and security forces, committed to assisting the public during disasters such as tsunamis, floods, landslides, epidemics, and more, performing noble but often unrecognized social services
Mallikarama Maha Viharaya
Prominent Monks Associated with the Temple
Mallikarama Maha Viharaya is a sacred site that has been honored to host many renowned monks who have made an enduring impact on the Sri Lankan Buddhist revival.
- Urugama Senananda Thero
- Dewalapola Siridhamma Thero
- Palane Vajiragnana Maha Thero
- Beruwala Sirinivasa Maha Thero
- Kalukondayawe Pragnashekara Thero
- Waliwitiye Soratha Thero
- Madihe Pannaseeha MahaThero
- Kamburugamuwe Mahanama Thero
- Ampitiye Rahula Thero
- Talarambe Piyarathana Thero
- Vajiraramaye Soma Thero
- Habaraduwe Nanda Thero
- Mathurata Pemarathana Thero
- Ahangama Somarathana Thero
- Makandugoda Pagnawansa Thero
- Kapugama Dhamminda Thero
- Tangalle Devananda Thero
- Ahangama Gunananda Thero
- Koggala Pagnamoli Thero
- Koggala Rohana Thero
- Tangalle Dhiralankara Thero
- Burma Gnaninda Thero
- Vajiramaye Kheyaminda Thero Of Vajirarama
- Wadduwe Wijithavansa Thero
- Ahangama Dhammarama Thero
- Ahangama Ananda Thero
- Sumangala Thero of Mount Lavinia
- Dhammalankara Thero of Dikwella
- Kapugama Sumanavansa Thero
- Piyadassi Thero of Vajirarama
- Valasgala Punnaji Mayuravansa Thero
Mallikarama Maha Temple
Yatis associated with the temple
Mallikarama Maha Viharaya is a sacred site that has been honored to host many renowned monks who have made an enduring impact on the Sri Lankan Buddhist revival.
- Urugama Senananda Thero
- Dewalapola Siridhamma Thero
- Palane Vajiragnana Maha Thero
- Beruwala Sirinivasa Maha Thero
- Kalukondayawe Pragnashekara Thero
- Waliwitiye Soratha Thero
- Madihe Pannaseeha MahaThero
- Kamburugamuwe Mahanama Thero
- Ampitiye Rahula Thero
- Talarambe Piyarathana Thero
- Vajiraramaye Soma Thero
- Habaraduwe Nanda Thero
- Mathurata Pemarathana Thero
- Ahangama Somarathana Thero
- Makandugoda Pagnawansa Thero
- Kapugama Dhamminda Thero
- Tangalle Devananda Thero
- Ahangama Gunananda Thero
- Koggala Pagnamoli Thero
- Koggala Rohana Thero
- Tangalle Dhiralankara Thero
- Burma Gnaninda Thero
- Vajiramaye Kheyaminda Thero Of Vajirarama
- Wadduwe Wijithavansa Thero
- Ahangama Dhammarama Thero
- Ahangama Ananda Thero
- Sumangala Thero of Mount Lavinia
- Dhammalankara Thero of Dikwella
- Kapugama Sumanavansa Thero
- Piyadassi Thero of Vajirarama
- Valasgala Punnaji Mayuravansa Thero
Dhamma Sermons at Mallikarama Temple
Prominent lay devotees associated with the temple
Mallikarama Maha Viharaya
The famous businessman Justice of the Peace D. J. Koditutukku Hevamallika
Mr. and Mrs. (Founders of Mallikarama Maha Viharaya)
Son, Gamini Kodituvakku Heva Mallika
Daughter,Nimali Kodituvakku Hevamallika
Son, Tissa Kodituvakku Heva Mallika
Son, Nanda Kodituvakku Hevamallika
Son, Pandu Kodituvakku Heva Mallika
- Mr. Edmon Samarawickrama
- Mr. Percy Samarawickrama
- Principal Ahangama U K Ariyaratne
- Astrologer Anthony Thomas
- Deputy Post Administrator Mr. C Kurukulasuriya and Mrs. Kurukulasuriya
- Mrs.G. M. D Hinniappuhami
- Mr. Lal Kurukulasuriya
- Mrs. Shriya Fernando
- Mrs. Muriyal Perera
- Miss L. P. W. Diaz
- Major George Ranatunga
- Mr. D. G. G.Pathiratne
- Miss Vimala Dias
- Major D. D. Amarawardena
- De S. Abedheera
- Administrative Officer, Mr. Olcott Gunasekara
- Mr. Denzil W. Perera
- Mrs. Sabandhu
- Mrs. Ratna Kulatunga
- Mrs. K. W. Karalinahami
- Mr. T. A Hemapala
- Governor William Gopallava
- Justice of the Peace A. G. Hinniappuhami (Founder of Maliban)
- Attorney At Law, Mr. H.E.S.Wickramaratne
- Justice of the Peace, Mr. W. P. F.Chandraratne
- Mr. Edmon Samarawickrama
- Mr. Percy Samarawickrama
- Principal Ahangama U K Ariyaratne
- Astrologer Anthony Thomas
- Deputy Post Administrator Mr. C Kurukulasuriya and Mrs. Kurukulasuriya
- Mrs.G. M. D Hinniappuhami
- Mr. Lal Kurukulasuriya
- Mrs. Shriya Fernando
- Mrs. Muriyal Perera
- Miss L. P. W. Diaz
- Major George Ranatunga
- Mr. D. G. G.Pathiratne
- Miss Vimala Dias
- Major D. D. Amarawardena
- De S. Abedheera
- Administrative Officer, Mr. Olcott Gunasekara
- Mr. Denzil W. Perera
- Mrs. Sabandhu
- Mrs. Ratna Kulatunga
- Mrs. K. W. Karalinahami
- Mr. T. A Hemapala
- Governor William Gopallava
- Justice of the Peace A. G. Hinniappuhami (Founder of Maliban)
- Attorney At Law, Mr. H.E.S.Wickramaratne
- Justice of the Peace, Mr. W. P. F.Chandraratne
Societies of the Temple
Visakha Women’s Association
Founded in 1960 under the leadership of Mrs. Sahabandu from Ratmal Mawatha, the society, driven by the strong aspirations of the devout women in the area, has been instrumental in assisting the righteous patriarchs of Satara Peru in conducting meritorious deeds in an organized manner.
Gamini Young Buddhist Society
This association was established with the pure intention of creating a young generation that respects Buddhist values by guiding the local youth to the right path.
Initially, Mr. Olcott Gunasekara, who was an administrative officer, held the position of chairman and later, as he was busy, Mr. Gorakani Denzil W. Perera became the chairman. He was very exemplary and played a great role in the development of not only the Society but also the temple “Mallikarama Maha Viharasthanaya”.
Mallikarama Task Force Society
On January 24th, 1960, the Mallikarama Task Force was established under the chairmanship of the Most Venerable Madihe Pannaseeha Maha Thero, aiming for the development of the temple and fostering the virtues of its contributors. Individuals of all ages participated eagerly in devotional service.
Its religious patrons are Maha Thero and Weligama Gnanarathana Anu Nayaka Thero (Viharadhipati), alongside lay patron Kodituvakku Hewa Mallika, a Justice of The Peace for the whole island, who was elected as the Chief Chairman. Mr. C. Kurukulasuriya, Deputy Post Administrator, served as the Chief Secretary, with Major George Ranatunga as the Deputy Chief Secretary and Mr. D. G. Pathiratne as the Treasurer. Additionally, 25 committee members were elected.
A very good constitution was also prepared by the Most Venerable Maha Nayaka Thero. With the establishment of the Task Force Society, people of all ages in the area enthusiastically participated in meritorious deeds.
Siri Vajiragnana Dhamma School
In the late 1960s, the Most Reverend Madihe Pannaseeha Maha Thero founded the Dhamma School under the name of Siri Vajiragnana. Major D. D. Amaravardhana was appointed as its manager, and the initial work was started by a panel of teachers including Mr. J. De S. Abedheera, a teacher from the Royal College. Initially, it was established from the first grade to the junior class
