Since 1823
Sacred Heritage

History of Gangarama Temple

Pelena is a picturesque village located in the Weligama Divisional area of the Matara District in Sri Lanka’s Southern Province. The village consists of three Grama Niladhari divisions and is widely known both locally and internationally as the birthplace of the Most Venerable Pelena Siri Vajiragnana Mahanayaka Thero, one of Sri Lanka’s most respected Buddhist prelates. The scenic beauty of the village is enhanced by the beach to the south and the Polwathu River flowing along its northern and eastern sides.

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Most Venerable Pelena Pagngnananda Thero

He has carried out numerous religious and social services as the Chief Incumbent.

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Hatred is never appeased by hatred in this world. By non-hatred alone is hatred appeased. To conquer oneself is a greater victory than to conquer thousands in a battle. Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace. Whatever a man does, its fruit shall follow him. Kindness should become the natural way of life, not the exception. Mind is the forerunner of all actions. All that we are is the result of what we have thought. A single candle can light thousands of other candles without shortening its own life. Happiness never decreases by being shared. Patience is the highest virtue. Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth. Associate with the wise, not with the foolish.
Hatred is never appeased by hatred in this world. By non-hatred alone is hatred appeased. To conquer oneself is a greater victory than to conquer thousands in a battle. Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace. Whatever a man does, its fruit shall follow him. Kindness should become the natural way of life, not the exception. Mind is the forerunner of all actions. All that we are is the result of what we have thought. A single candle can light thousands of other candles without shortening its own life. Happiness never decreases by being shared. Patience is the highest virtue. Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth. Associate with the wise, not with the foolish.
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Monk
Current Chief Incumbent

Venerable Pelwehera Suseema Thero

Pelena Gangarama Maha Viharaya
Spiritual Leadership

Spiritual Leadership

The Religious Services of Venerable Pelwehera Suseema Thero

Venerable Pelwehera Suseema Thero was born on January 27, 1969, in Pathadumbara, Wattegama, in the Matale District of the Central Province. He was named Dasanayaka Mudiyanselage Udeni Nimal Kumara. He is the youngest child in a family with one brother and four sisters. His parents are devoted followers of Buddhism and religious values.

On November 28, 1982, he entered the Buddhist monastic life at Shaliya Aranya Senasanaya (Forest Hermitage) and was ordained under the name “Pelwehera Suseema.” Later, on July 7, 1989, he received higher ordination (Upasampada) at the Sri Vajiragnana Buddhist Institute in Maharagama.

He faithfully carries out all religious, national, and social responsibilities of the temple and its devotees. Living in the Weligama area, he maintains friendly relationships with people of all communities and actively engages in social service activities.

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"A highly respected monk dedicated to social service and spreading the noble qualities of Buddhism for the upliftment of the Buddha Sasana."
Pelena Gangarama Maha Viharaya
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