Meewanapalane Siri Dhammalankara Maha Thera Tribute to a Venerable Buddha Putra

• Having passed his Bachelor’s degree, Sirisena proceeded to Haig University in Netherland to follow his post graduate studies on Agriculture
• In view of his vast experience and knowledge, Sirisena Hapu Arachchi was finally elevated to the post of Director General at the Ministry of Agriculture 2002 until his retirement

In the global society a handful of individuals emerge above others for their talent, contributions and services rendered for the benefit of others.
Among them are mostly scientists, inventor’s religious dignitaries and national heroes and philanthropists.
Most Ven Meewanapalane Siri Dhammalankara, is one such exemplary being who is worthy of appreciation.
The Thera was born on a New Year’s day in 1942.
Initially he was named as Sirisena Hapu Arachchi and hails from a remote village in Rigam Korale (Meewanapalana). He was the eldest son of William and Alice Hapu Arachchi in a family of five children.. Being a bright student he was sent to Thakshila VIdyalaya from where he entered the University of Ceylon, Peradeniya. He went on to become the first graduate from his village in 1963.

At first Sirisena attended the Government school in his village
Having passed his Bachelor’s degree, Sirisena proceeded to Haig University in Netherland to follow his post graduate studies on Agriculture.
Soon afterwards to furtherance his education he entered the North Carolina State University to study Economic Statistics.
On his return to his motherland, he served in the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Co-operative, as a Statistician. During the Dudley Senanayake regime he was appointed as Chief Statistician to the Ministry of Education. During his tenure in office he introduced vast beneficial schemes for the benefit of students. Among these schemes were the ones that took into account dates pertaining to students not attending schools, student disputes, school uniforms for children, school text books and free mid-day meals for children with the aid of International childhood education fund. Afterwards the government implemented the programme of giving away free school uniforms and text book besides free mid-day meals.
Most sympathetically, for the estate workers’ children- who enjoyed free education facilities, up to grade five- were granted higher education opportunities.
In view of his vast experience and knowledge, Sirisena Hapu Arachchi was finally elevated to the post of Director General at the Ministry of Agriculture 2002 until his retirement.
At the time of his retirement Sirisena lived with his wife- the principal of a leading girl school- and two children. Briefly afterwards- in spite of his high social status and substantial means to live comfortably in retirement- Sirisena took a life-changing decision to enter the spiritual path.
As a stepping stone to achieve his Noble objectives his next move took him to a meditative retreat in Kurunegala.
Having spent one calendar year in meditation, Sirisena began to write scripts on his meditation experiences; which were subsequently printed and distributed among devotees for free.
On August l5, 2007. Sirisena Hapu Arachchi gave up his lay name to become a Buddha Putra.
Accordingly he received his ordination as Meewanapalane Siri Dhammalankara under the stewardship of Ven. Madalagama Vajirabuddhi Sangha Nayake of Amarapura Maha Nikaye Ratnapura.
Today Mewanapalane Maha Thera is internationally respected for his countless Dharmadeshana which can be followed on Youtube as well.
Beginning with writing Dhamma scripts the Maha Thera has completed a 500-page Dhamma volume; which has already seen 23 prints up to 2023.
He has also established Parama Nibbana Dharmayathanaya, with residential facilities for the benefit of local and foreign devotees.
We wish health and longevity to most Ven. Mewanapalane Siri Dhammalankara Maha Thera.
(The writer can be reached at journalist.nkl@gmail.com)