Ven. Akmeemana Piyarathana Thera has been appointed as the Chief Sanghanayake of Galle and Matara, by the Karaka Maha Sangha Sabha, led by Most Ven. Thibbatuwe Sri Sumangala Thera of the Malwathu Chapter. A felicitation ceremony was recently held at the Akmeemana Thotogoda Panchathuparama Temple to felicitate the new Chief Sanghanayaka.
The proceedings were presided over by Malwathu Chapter’s Anunayake Aggamaha Panditha Ven. Dr. Niyangoda Dharmakeerthi Sri Sangarakkitha Vijithasiri Thera. Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana presented the citation to Ven. Akmeemana Piyarathana Thera, while Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister Vidura Wikramanayaka presented the Vijini Patha.
The ceremony also marked the inauguration of a four-storied Sanghavasa constructed to celebrate Ven. Piyarathana Thera’s birthday. The unveiling was done by Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera.
Born on January 23, 1954, as Haputanthrige Chandrasiri, Ven. Akmeemana Piyarathana Thera received his education at the Haliyagoda School.
He was ordained as Ven. Akmeemana Piyarathana Samanera under Ven. Kumbalwelle Dhammarathana Thera and Ven. Kannimaduwe Dhammissara Thera.
In 1967, he entered Kumbalwella Sri Revatha University Pirivena, followed by Nugegoda Subhadrarama Pirivena. At the age of 20, he obtained “Upasampada” on June 17, 1977, at the Malwatu Maha Vihara, Kandy.
Later, Ven. Akmeemana Piyarathana Thera became the Chief Incumbent of Panchathuparama Temple, playing a pivotal role in its development. He has travelled internationally, engaging in Dharma propagation activities in countries such as India, Thailand, Burma, Singapore and America.
