Sri Lanka is known as the main Theravada Buddhist country in the world. Since the pre-Christian era, Buddhist education was prominent in this country. After the 18th century, there was a decline in Piriven education due to the Christian missionary movement. But later, with the brilliance of Panaduravada, Buddhist practices were revived. Accordingly, the first Sunday school of Buddhist religion in the country was started in Galle in 1885. Although the British colonial system continued, many changes took place in the field of education in Sri Lanka after our country became an independent state on February 04, 1948.
“Panadura Gangula Dhamma School is celebrating its 75th anniversary”
It is clear that a quality mission of education in this country is being fulfilled by Sunday Dhamma schools. Here we focus on the 75th celebration of such an excellent Dhamma school. Especially in Sri Lanka, there are several Dhamma schools where a large number of children study. Panadura Gangula – Sri Gnanavimala Dhamma School, which is one of the leading religious institutions, is celebrating its 75th anniversary on February 19. This Dhamma school started on February 19, 1950 with the independence of Sri Lanka. The original founder was venerable Tripitaka Visharadha Rajakeeya Panditha Naramane Sri Buddha Rakkhita. He was the last Buddhist monk to work in the Buddha Jayanti Tripitaka Translation Board in this country. The sixth commemoration of His Holiness, who passed away on February 14, 2019, has also been linked to this event.
The 75th anniversary will feature several special charity events. The anniversary will begin with the week-long series of sermons held from February 13 to 17. “Dorakada Asna Anushasana” Pinkama will also be performed on February 16. The 75th celebration is scheduled to be held on February 19. At the same event, a tribute to the teachers who have taught Buddhism to the students for many years will also be done. Many more events related to this anniversary are also scheduled to be held in the near future. They are done according to the advice of the Rajakeeya Panditha Thanthirimulle Sarana Thero, the head of the Gagula Siriparama Vishuddharama Temple. The Dhamma School Alumni Association is sponsoring it. A special Dhamma school commemorative book will be launched and an educational exhibition will also be held for the 75th anniversary. Also, a student leader training workshop involving all Dhamma school students of the educational division is also scheduled to be held in the near future.
Nishantha Peiris
