(BA (Hons), MA, B.Phil) Chief Incumbent, Siri Maha Bodhi Maha Viharaya, Bahirawakanda, Kandy
Venerable Yatawatte Dhammananda Thero is a highly respected Buddhist monk, scholar, and religious leader with decades of dedicated service to the Buddha Sāsana and Sri Lankan society.
He is a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) graduate and holds a Bachelor of Philosophy degree from the University of Peradeniya, and a Master’s degree from the Pali and Buddhist University. His strong academic background reflects his deep scholarly engagement with Theravāda Buddhist philosophy and teachings.
Venerable Thero commenced his monastic life on the 11th day of the 6th month in 1979 and received higher ordination on 4th January 1994. To date, he has completed 46 years of monastic service, marked by spiritual leadership, education, and community development.
He currently serves as the Chief Incumbent of Siri Maha Bodhi Maha Viharaya, Bahirawakanda, Kandy, and has also held the position of Vice President of the Sri Lanka Shasanarakshaka Bala Mandala.
In addition, Venerable Thero contributes his guidance and expertise as:
- Consultant to the United Welfare Society
- Advisor to the Bahirawakanda Rural Development Society
- Advisor to the Temple Development Society
- Advisor to the Dhamma School Development Society
- Advisor to the Buddhist Conservation Council
He also serves as a Committee Member and Financial Secretary of the Shasanodaya Karaka Sangha Sabha affiliated with the Kandyan Amarapura Maha Nikaya, and holds the position of Deputy Registrar of the Kandy District Maha Sangha Sabha of the All Ceylon Amarapura Maha Sangha Sabha.
Furthermore, he is serving as the Honorary Sanghanayake of the Central and Northern regions of the Upcountry Amarapura Maha Nikaya, playing a significant role in safeguarding Buddhist heritage and providing leadership to the monastic community.
