From time to time, great Buddhist leaders emerge in this land of age-old Buddhist tradition to bring about religious renaissance in Sri Lanka. One such Buddhist leader is the Chief Adhikarana Sangha Nayaka of Malaysia, of Mahavihara Vanshika Shyamopali Sect of Malwatta Chapter, and the director of the Maha Karuna Buddhist Foundation, Ven. Dr. Butawatte Sri Saranankara Nayaka Maha Thera. In modern times, he epitomises the humanitarian ideals pioneered by Welivitiye Saranankara Thera
Ven. Dr. Butawatte Sri Saranankara Thera, who entered the noble bhikkhuhood under the revered name Butawatte Saranankara in 1960, pursued his Dhamma studies with great dedication at Sri Gnaneshwara Pirivena at the Gangarama, Hunupitiya, Colombo. This institution has been renowned since the inception of Buddhist education in Sri Lanka. He attained higher ordination accordingly in due course following his studies.
He became an exceptionally commendable and disciplined religious person having been influenced and guided by preeminent and erudite Venerables such as Gonadeniye Sumanajothi Nayaka Thera, Madiligama Swarnajothi Nayaka Thera, and Pitipana Sri Sumana Nayaka Thera who was the Chief Incumbent of the Koswatta Siri Nandaramaya in Thalangama, Colombo.
Great service
Ven. Dr. Butawatte Saranankara Thera, renowned globally and locally as an esteemed Buddhist missionary bhikkhu, is currently dedicated to a significant religious mission within the Buddhist community worldwide, garnering widespread support and admiration.
The Thera first arrived in Malaysia in 1981 and decided to settle there permanently in 1983. Developing the then-small temple called ‘Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple’ into a majestic temple complex inclusive of all components of a Buddhist monastery, he worked with both Buddhist and non-Buddhist organisations for the betterment and advancement of the Buddhist dispensation. His extraordinary oratory skills as a masterful Dhamma preacher have been recognised and embraced by the international community.
Drawing on his extensive experience and knowledge as an esteemed Buddhist missionary bhikkhu and Chief Sangha Nayaka of Malaysia, Ven. Dr. Butawatte Saranankara Thera has implemented an annual program for bhikkhus studying at Pirivenas in Sri Lanka that has been going on for more than 25 years with the goal of creating a community of disciplined monks who are well-versed in the Dhamma to enhance the Buddhist dispensation.
The Thera spent Rs.4.5 million to build the Delgoda Mahamevna Buddhist School and even holds book exhibitions in Sri Lanka. He also facilitates the obtaining of books worth nearly Rs. 1.5 million, including autobiographies and books related to personal development in addition to Buddhist books, with the noble intention of creating a generation of bhikkhus well-equipped with knowledge.
The Thera also takes bhikkhus who have passed the final Piriven examinations to Malaysia and introduces them to the importance of practicalising the Dhamma knowledge. Under ‘Sip Diriya Suhuru Athwela’ program computers with internet access are distributed among the bhikkhus.
As a highly experienced Buddhist missionary bhikkhu dedicated to spreading the pure Theravada tradition worldwide, Ven. Dr. Butawatte Sri Saranankara Nayaka Thera always emphasises the importance of language proficiency alongside the Dhamma knowledge. He delivers Dhamma sermons to young bhikkhus on the importance of maintaining a serene demeanuor, upholding a dignified image while also adhering to an oratory style appropriate for bhikkus characterised by humility, flexibility, kindness, and loving-kindness.
With the aim of enhancing the education of approximately 15,000 students from various provinces, he has consistently provided essentials such as school supplies, books, clothing, shoes, and bags. These donations have been made annually for the past 22 years. He donated medical equipment and machinery to 27 hospitals including the Castle Street Hospital for Women and built more than 30 houses for the welfare of people living in underprivileged areas.
Awards
Applauding the national and religious services rendered by Ven. Butawatte Sri Saranankara Thera, the Supreme Council of the Maha Sangha of the Malwatta Chapter of the Mahavihara Vanshika Shyamopali Sect, under the supervision of the Chief Mahanayaka Thera of the Malwatta Chapter, awarded him the title of the Chief Judiciary bhikkhu of Malaysia on January 19, 2007. The same Council bestowed upon him the esteemed ‘Sangha Sri Kirthi’ title in 2017.
The Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka awarded him an honorary doctorate recognising and honoring his mission and multifaceted services.
Not only the education of bhikkhus in Sri Lanka, underprivileged temples and poor social units, but also the tertiary education sector has been fortunate enough to receive his benevolent contributions. Accordingly, donations were made having identified the financial difficulties faced by ordained and lay undergraduates specialising at the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, a preeminent institution of prime significance in terms of Buddhist education in Sri Lanka.
Thus, laptop computers were donated for the use of undergraduates following the degree program as per the request of the Head of the Department of the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies Ven. Prof. Elamaldeniye Sarananda Thera. Ven. Dr.Butawatte Saranankara Thera was keen to help students who are facing difficulties due to the economic crisis.
Moreover, the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka and the University of Kelaniya, along with others, have also benefited from his generous donations. Another significant event in his philanthropic journey for social welfare is scheduled on June 22 and 23, organised by the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Over 800 monks experiencing financial hardships have been identified to receive educational donations totaling more than 23 million rupees, alongside support for over 1,000 university students.
This great religious leader who has taken under his wing the Maha Karuna Buddhist Organisation in Malaysia and the Senthula Buddhist Temple is truly an exemplary role model to the contemporary community of bhikkhus. It is no exaggeration to state that he is an exceptional religious leader whose benevolence and moral essence are known to all. I believe it just to declare Ven.Dr.Butawatte Sri Saranankara Thera as the contemporary equivalentof Ven. Welivitiye Saranankara Thera and I extend my heartfelt wishes for his good health and longevity.
– Ven.Prof. Elamaldeniye Sarananda Thera is the Head of the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, and the Chief Incumbent, Saranath Dhamma Nikethana, Kalubowila, Dehiwala.
