A life dedicated to Dhamma, Nation

The Enduring Legacy of the Most Venerable Anamaduwe Sri Rathanapala Buddharakkhita Dhammadassi Anunayake Maha Thera 

Sri Lanka’s Buddhist Sangha mourns the Most Venerable Anamaduwe Sri Rathanapala Buddharakkhita Dhammadassi Anunayake Maha Thera, who passed away July 21, 2025, at 67. His life embodied profound dedication, extensive scholarship, and tireless service. Ordained in 1976, he became Anunayake in 2016, serving as a revered Dhamma preacher and academic. He also safeguarded national well-being. Sri Lanka will honour his inspiring legacy with full state honours today.  

By Madipola Wimalajothi Thero

The Buddhist Sangha community in Sri Lanka and globally mourns the untimely demise of the Most Venerable Anamaduwe Sri Rathanapala Buddharakkhita Dhammadassi Anunayake Thera of the Asgiri Maha Vihara Chapter of the Siam Sect, who passed away on July 21, 2025, at the age of 67.   
His life was a profound embodiment of unwavering dedication, remarkable scholarship, and tireless service across religious, cultural, educational, and social spheres, leaving an indelible mark on the nation and the wider Buddhist world.  
Born on September 3, 1958, in Anamaduwa, his early education at Anamaduwa Central College and Maliyadeva College in Kurunegala laid the groundwork for his spiritual journey. On May 19, 1976, he was ordained as a Theravada Buddhist monk at the historic Asgiri Maha Viharaya, Kandy, under the revered guidance of the Most Venerable Udugama Sri Buddharakkhita Maha Nayake Thera and the Most Venerable Waduragala Rathanajothi Maha Thera. His higher ordination (Upasampadā) followed on May 20, 1979, solidifying his commitment to monastic discipline.  
He received his monastic education at Sri Gnaneshwara Pirivena, Gangarama Viharaya, Hunupitiya, Colombo, where he swiftly completed the Prāchīna Prāramba and Prāchīna Madyama examinations. His higher education at the University of Peradeniya culminated in a special degree in Pali in 1985.  
He deepened his understanding with a Master’s degree in Buddhist Studies from the University of Kelaniya in 1990, and pursued advanced pedagogical qualifications, earning a Postgraduate Diploma in Education in 1992 and a Master of Education degree from the University of Peradeniya in 1998. He also secured a Master of Philosophy degree, underscoring his advanced research capabilities.  
His academic prowess extended to nurturing future generations. He began his teaching career at Vidyartha College, Kandy, in 1986. After four years, he was appointed as a Senior Lecturer at the Sariputta National College of Education, serving for twelve years. Subsequently, he became a Lecturer at the Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka, where he imparted his vast knowledge for another twelve years.  His commitment to Buddhist education was further demonstrated by his service as a Senate Member and later a Council Member of the Bhiksu University until his passing.  
Within the Asgiri Maha Vihara, Most Venerable Anamaduwe Dhammadassi Nayake Thera steadily ascended through the ranks, earning immense respect for his wisdom and dedication.   
In 2002, he was appointed to the executive committee of the Asgiri Maha Vihara Chapter of Siam. His leadership qualities were further recognized in 2008 when he assumed the crucial role of Chief Registrar (Mahā-Lekhakādhikārī).   
The pinnacle of his monastic career came on May 5, 2016, with his elevation to the highly esteemed rank of Anunayake of the Asgiri Maha Vihara Chapter of Siam, a testament to his profound knowledge of monastic discipline (Vinaya) and his exemplary guidance of the Sangha community.  
His influence transcended the monastery, extending into the broader cultural and social fabric of Sri Lanka. His active involvement as Chair of the Kandy Sasanarakshaka Balamandalaya and Deputy Chair of the All Ceylon Sanarakshaka Balamandalaya underscored his unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s moral and cultural well-being.   Most Venerable Nayake Thera also made significant contributions to the academic community through his scholarly publications, including “Asgiri Mahāvihāra Purāṇaya I / II” and various volumes of the “Prabuddha Academic Journal.” These works reflect his dedication to preserving and disseminating Buddhist knowledge through rigorous research.
As Sri Lanka prepares to bid him farewell with full state honours on July 24, 2025, at Asgiriya Police stadium, his profound legacy of scholarship, spiritual leadership, and selfless service will undoubtedly continue to illuminate and inspire generations to come.   
May Anunayake Maha Thera Attain the Supreme Bliss of Nibbāna!  
The writer By Dr Madipola Wimalajothi Thero, is a PhD (HKU), Resident Monk, Asgiri Maha Vihara Chapter and Senior Lecturer, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura