I have nothing to do with politics - Kathnoruwe Himi

Today, the Ganewewa Ancient Temple premises have become a sacred site overflowing with thousands of people. Amidst long queues of vehicles and a crowd of over two thousand people, the number of devotees coming to meet Ven. Kathnoruwe Siridhamma Thero, who is seated on a high platform in front of the monks' residence, is immense.

He is so busy that, apart from posing for photographs, he cannot even spare time for a long conversation, greeting everyone who comes with a smile and saying, 'May you be well.' Despite such a large crowd, the special feature here is that everyone is given the opportunity to see and worship him. Even in front of journalists, he remains very humble, and regretting our long journey, he joined us for a conversation very cordially, after seeking permission from the devotees who came to meet him.

Born in an extremely difficult village like Galgamuwa, Kathnoruwa, which suffers from drought, his lay name was Sankha Priyamantha. Born on January 26, 1998, to Upali Bandara and Jayantha Wanninayake, he was the youngest child in the family and had a strong affection for the temple and Buddhism from a young age. Despite his parents' reluctance, at his strong request, he entered the monastic life at the age of nine, in 2007, under the name Kathnoruwe Siridhamma, under the tutelage of Ven. Galapitiyagama Wimaladhamma Anunayaka Thero. Growing up under the patronage of Ven. Galapitiyagama Wajirawansa Nayaka Thero, the chief incumbent of Ganewewa Ancient Temple, he showed innate talents for public speaking and leadership from a young age.

Having received his basic monastic education from Samadarapitiya Sri Palitha Vidyathana Pirivena, he earned a reputation as a skilled orator from his school days. He began delivering Dhamma sermons at the age of 11, and villagers showed great eagerness to listen to his discourses. Even while studying at the pirivena, he possessed enough organizational strength to take the initiative in constructing the temple's entrance arch (vahalkada). Although he is a shining figure today, his past was filled with harsh experiences. The difficult life he led, studying by the light of kerosene lamps without electricity or water, bathing in the Deduru Oya, and walking miles on foot, is unknown to many today.

Overcoming hardships and excelling in education, Ven. Siridhamma Thero entered the University of Peradeniya at the age of 19. There, he completed his degree while also engaging in student activities, and pursued postgraduate studies at the University of Delhi in India as well as the University of Kelaniya. His appointment as the Chief Incumbent (Parivenadhipathi) of the very pirivena where he studied, in September 2023, marks a significant milestone in his educational journey. Currently, he is creating a Buddhist revival worldwide by attracting even Tamil and Muslim communities, delivering Dhamma sermons across the country and in foreign countries like India, Dubai, and Singapore.

He emphasizes that the youth gathered around him and his popularity are not used for any political purpose. He states that he does not belong to any political party and that his sole aim is to heal people through the Dhamma. Unwavering in the face of criticism and mudslinging from some quarters, he believes that popularity is temporary and what matters is the service rendered. Many people have changed their lives after listening to his sermons, and he sees it as a miracle of the Dhamma that even young people of other faiths listen to his discourses.

Engaged in social welfare activities, he distributed material aid worth over four crore rupees (40 million LKR) to people affected during the recent disaster. Currently, a large Dhamma hall is under construction at the Ganewewa Temple, and it is expected to be completed before the next Vesak Poya. His next great meritorious deed is to administer the Five Precepts to fifty thousand young men and women on Vesak Poya day in 2026. Ven. Kathnoruwe Siridhamma Thero states that his life philosophy is to live righteously as a young monk, remembering that he depends on the generosity of others, and declares that he will continue his journey without ceasing for the long-term existence of the Buddha Sasana.

(Based on an article by Tharanga Ratnaweera - Divaina newspaper)