The Theravada tradition in Sri Lanka found its roots with the arrival of Arhant Mahinda Thero during King Devanam Piyatissa’s reign. Arhant Mahind Thero established the order of Sangha in this country. The Maha Vihara Bhikku tradition which was initiated by Arhant Thero became synonymous with exceptional wisdom, higher rectitude, and decorum. Numerous Maha Sangha who represented this tradition were revered as guardians of the nation for their integrity and honesty. Despite facing obstacles, the Maha Sangha received state patronage, ensuring its continuity. However, during periods of kingdom decline, the Maha Sangha confronted challenges and its eventual decline became unavoidable. History bears witness to these fluctuations.
Amidst the decline of the Sangha order in Sri Lanka for various reasons, the resilient Maha Sangha of the Malwathu and Asgiri chapters, led by salient members of Maha Sangha such as Venerable Welivita Saranankara Thero played a pivotal role in its restoration. During the reign of King Keerthi Sri Raja Singhe, the state provided patronage for this revival. Venerable Upali Thero, arriving from the land of Siyam, contributed significantly to re-establishing the Sangha order in Sri Lanka, supported by the concerted efforts of the local Maha Sangha.
Bestowing the title of Sangharaja upon Venerable Welivita Saranankara Thero by King Kirthi Sri Rajasinghe is celebrated as a remarkably insightful decision for the advancement of the Buddha Sasana in Sri Lanka. The esteemed Maha Nayaka position along with two Anu Nayaka positions were conferred to the Asgiri and Malwathu chapters with the king’s royal seal. Upholding this timeless spiritual tradition, the Sangha scholar council led by Most Venerable Maha Nayaka Galagama Aththadassai Thero, appointed Venerable Vendaruwe Sri Upali Thero to the revered position of Anu Nayaka for the Siyam Asgiri and Malwathu chapters.
Sathipattana magazine extends its heartfelt and venerable congratulations to the newly appointed Anu Nayaka Thero.
Anu Nayaka Thero, born on the eighth full moon Poya day in the month of Duruthu in 1953 saw the light of this world in the picturesque region of Medadumbara in the historic district of Kandy. The tranquil village of Vendaruwa, surrounded by a breathtaking mountain range and bordered by a serene paddy field, was his birthplace. From the very start, this child displayed innate qualities of humanity and leadership, foreshadowing his future role in leading the Sangha order in Sri Lanka. Christened as Basnayaka Mudiyanselage Jayathilaka Banda, he was the cherished offspring of Ratnayaka Mudiyanselage Loku Banda Nilame and Senarath Wasala Wijetunga Mudiyanselage Adhikaram Walawwe Kumarihami. Growing up in a nurturing religious environment, he received his education at Elikewila Government School in Marassana, excelling in his studies as well as extracurricular activities.
At the tender age of 14, on 22 March 1967, this child entered the Sangha order, assuming the name Vendaruwe Upali. Under the guidance of esteemed mentors, including the highly revered Venerable Gomagoda Sri Rathanapala Thero from the Meda Pansal Sangha lineage of the Maha Vihara tradition-chief incumbent of Gedige Raja Maha Viharaya and custodian of the Mahiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya-alongside Venerable Ranawana Sri Saddhatissa Thero, the novice monk began his spiritual journey.
Initiating his spiritual education in accordance with tradition, the Thero underwent training under the guidance of venerable teachers. He pursued his spiritual studies at various Piriwenas, including Wewaladeniya Sri Mahindodaya Piriwena in Kegalle, Sri Sangharaja Maha Piriwena in Kandy, and Sri Dharmodaya Maha Piriwena in Madanwala. The novice monk demonstrated exceptional proficiency in his spiritual education, earning the profound respect and affection of his teachers. Successfully passing Dhamma examinations such as Prachina and Madhyama, he completed his Piriwen education. Subsequently, he enrolled as an external candidate at the University of Peradeniya before joining the Post Graduate Institute of Pali and Buddhist Studies at the University of Kelaniya to pursue a Master’s degree. This enriched the Thero with the knowledge requisite for a Sangha leader.
At the age of twenty, on 26 June 1976, the Thero attained Upasampada under the esteemed guidance of venerable teachers at the Managala Uposathagara of Maha Viharaya.
Driven by the noble aspiration to share the valuable knowledge acquired during his formal spiritual education, the Thero entered the government workforce as a Dhamma teacher. He dedicated his service as a Dhamma teacher at Nagolla Government School in Ukuwela, Girihagama Government School, Dharmaraja College in Kandy, and Dharmadutha Vidyalaya in Badulla. Venerable Vendaruwe Upali Thero garnered popularity among students due to his exceptional qualities of empathy, compassion, and loving-kindness. Functioning as a revered Sangha father, he illuminated the minds of thousands of students, dispelling ignorance with the radiant light of Dhamma.
A watershed moment in the life of this venerable Thero occurred on 22 February 1996. Recognizing the exceptional knowledge and sterling reputation of Venerable Vendaruwe Upali Thero as a Buddhist monk, Most Venerable Maha Nayaka of the Asgiriya Chapter, the late Palipana Chandananda Thero elevated him to the esteemed position of a member of the Sangha Council of the Asgiriya Chapter. The Thero earned reverence from both the lay and Sangha members in the region, thanks to his outstanding skills in delivering Dhamma discourses and conducting spiritual rituals, as well as his unwavering honesty and integrity.
Under the mentorship of this venerable Thero, the nation was blessed with an educated, well-mannered, righteous, and efficient student force. His dedication to the nation and the Buddha Sasana expanded with the support of his students, including Rajakiya Panditha Venerable Parusselle Nanda Thero, the teacher of Asgiri Maha Vihara Maha Piriwena; Venerable Komarike Rahula Thero, Deputy Principal of Hemamali Balika Vidyalaya in Kandy; Venerable Kandaketiye Attadassi Thero, Jaya Maha Viharadhikari in Polonnaruwa; Rajakiya Panditha Venerable Kendagolle Gnanima Thero, teacher of Sri Nalanda Maha Piriwena in Bothale; Rajakiya Panditha Venerable Rambukwelle Dhammarakkhitha Thero in the United States of America; and Venerable Pallewela Rathanapala Thero. Together, they contributed to the broader service and well-being of the community.
The venerable Thero held the esteemed custodianship of the Muthiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya from 1994 to 2003, a position bestowed upon him in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the temple. Concurrently, he served as a Dhamma teacher at Dharmadutha Vidyalaya in Badulla. Throughout his tenure as the custodian, he spearheaded the development of the temple premises, securing assistance from the Urban Development Authority. Notable achievements included the construction of a new Guest House in Badulu Oya, a Bhikku hostel, a road with a Wahalkada, and the establishment of a museum within the temple. Renovating the golden fence surrounding the sacred Bodhi tree exemplified his dedication. These visible services during his custodianship earned him immense reverence. Additionally, the Thero played a vital role in the development of Gomagoda Meda Malu Viharaya, Sandamadulla Viharaya, Dehiattakandiya, and the restoration of the Bodhignana Buddhist Center in Wepathana.
The venerable Thero, renowned for his exceptional skill in renovating Buddhist religious sites, was elevated to the esteemed position of Solosmasthanadhipathi, overseeing the sixteen sacred Buddhist sites in Polonnaruwa. With this newfound responsibility, he diligently worked to enhance the sacred sites in collaboration with the Department of Archaeology. Notable contributions included the installation of a special canopy at the Gal Viharaya, the construction of a new Sanghavasa, the development of beautiful roads, and the renovation of Kiri Vehera, showcasing the Thero’s dedicated service to these sacred locations.
The Asgiri Gedige Raja Maha Viharaya, a historic heritage in Sri Lanka equally revered by both Sri Lankans and the people of Thailand, has received dedicated service from our venerable Thero. With a history spanning 700 years, the Thero contributed significantly to the preservation and enhancement of this sacred temple. Notable initiatives included the construction of a protective wall around the Bodhi tree, the establishment of a Sanghavasa, and the meticulous renovation of the Dharmashala, preserving its ancient luster. The sacred site, held in high esteem by Buddhists in Thailand, was enriched and beautified through the dedicated efforts of this Thero.
This venerable Thero, a devout Buddhist monk with proficiency in various arts, demonstrated efficiency and skill in management. His expertise led him to serve as an advisor in various government institutions. Utilising his exceptional knowledge and skills, he played a pivotal role in the restoration and maintenance of Buddhist archaeological sites that had been damaged by natural disasters and human activities during his tenure at the Department of Archaeology. Additionally, he held esteemed advisory positions in the Ministry of Tourism, Urban Development and Sacred Sites Development, as well as the Ministry of Buddhasasana. Through these prestigious roles, he rendered invaluable service to the nation and the Buddhasasana.
Despite holding various prestigious and esteemed positions, and receiving societal acclaim, this venerable Thero remained remarkably humble. His humility was a testament to the high education and discipline he embraced. Both lay devotees and fellow Buddhist monks equally revered him for his exceptional qualities. His unique leadership skills were complemented by a dignified manner in speech and behaviour. The venerable Thero consistently upheld the principles of truth and adhered to his lofty principles in life. His wisdom illuminated and enriched his character, earning him widespread respect and admiration.
In recognition of the exceptional talent and dedicated service of Venerable Vendaruwe Upali Thero, the Maha Nayaka Thero of the Asgiri chapter, Most Venerable Galagama Attadassi, elevated him to the prestigious position of Anu Nayaka of the Siyam sect’s Asgiri chapter. This achievement is indeed a fortuitous event for the Buddhists in Sri Lanka. Venerable Upali Thero shines brightly like a full moon, earning commendations from all corners of the world. May the Most Venerable Thero live long, dispelling the darkness of ignorance in devotees.
Summary
Venerable Vendaruwe Upali Thero, born in 1953 in the historic district of Kandy, has had a remarkable journey in service to Buddhism and education. From entering the Sangha order at the age of 14, he excelled in his spiritual education, passing Dhamma examinations and pursuing higher studies at the University of Peradeniya and the Post Graduate Institute of Pali and Buddhist Studies. Attaining Upasampada at the age of 20, he later served as a Dhamma teacher in various schools, contributing to the education and spiritual development of students. His significant role as the custodian of the Muthiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya and his efforts in renovating Buddhist sites exemplify his dedication to preserving cultural heritage.
Venerable Upali Thero’s journey also includes advisory roles in government institutions, where he played a pivotal part in the restoration of Buddhist archaeological sites. He also served as the Solosmasthanadhipathi of Polonnaruwa. Despite holding prestigious positions, he maintained humility, earning reverence for his exceptional qualities, leadership, and commitment to truth. His appointment as Anu Nayaka of the Siyam sect’s Asgiri chapter, recognized by Most Venerable Galagama Attadassi, signifies a fortuitous event for Sri Lankan Buddhists. Venerable Upali Thero’s radiant character, likened to a full moon, has garnered commendations globally.
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