Kirinde Sri Dhammaratana
Kirinde Sri Dhammaratana is a Sri Lankan-born Buddhist monk who has served as the Chief High Priest of Malaysia since 2006. He is known for his extensive welfare work through the Ti-Ratana Welfare Society, which provides care and assistance to various vulnerable groups in Malaysia. He also plays a significant role in promoting Buddhist teachings and Malaysian Chinese culture.
Key Facts
- ›Born in Kirinde, Matara, Sri Lanka on July 24, 1948.
- ›Became a novice monk under Venerable Kotawila Sri Deepananda Nayaka Thero.
- ›Traveled to Malaysia in 1980 at the invitation of Venerable K. Sri Dhammananda.
- ›Founded the Ti-Ratana Welfare Society in 1994, a non-profit organization providing care and assistance.
- ›Appointed Chief Sangha Nayaka of Malaysia in March 2007.
- ›Received a Datuk title from the Yang DI-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia in November 2010.
Important Relationships
- Buddhist Maha Vihara
- Ti-Ratana Welfare Society
- Ti-Ratana Buddhist Society
- Malwatta Chapter of the Siam Nikaya
Kuala Lumpur, Klang Valley
K. Sri Dhammananda
Novice Monk
Chief High Priest, Dato'
About Kirinde Sri Dhammaratana
Kirinde Sri Dhammaratana is a prominent Buddhist monk, born in Sri Lanka on July 24, 1948. He is recognized as the incumbent Buddhist Chief High Priest of Malaysia, a significant leadership role he assumed in 2006 following the passing of his predecessor. His tenure has been marked by extensive contributions to both spiritual guidance and social welfare within Malaysia.
Life and Spiritual Path
Born in the village of Kirinde in Matara, Sri Lanka, Kirinde Sri Dhammaratana was the second of five children. He received his secondary education at the Central College of Deyiyandara. Upon completing his education, he entered monastic life as a novice, taking the name Kirinde Dhammaratana under the tutelage of Venerable Kotawila Sri Deepananda Nayaka Thero. In 1980, he was invited by Venerable K. Sri Dhammananda to relocate to Malaysia and serve as a resident monk at the Buddhist Maha Vihara in Kuala Lumpur.
Welfare and Community Engagement
Kirinde Sri Dhammaratana's dedication to social service led him to establish the Ti-Ratana Welfare Society in 1994. This non-profit organization is committed to providing care and shelter for vulnerable populations, including women, children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. The society also extends medical assistance to underprivileged and rural communities. Furthermore, the Ti-Ratana Welfare Society operates six community centers across the Klang Valley, which actively promote Malaysian Chinese culture through classes in calligraphy and art. In 2000, the Ti-Ratana Welfare Society expanded to become one of Malaysia's largest non-profit organizations. He also founded the Ti-Ratana Buddhist Society to advance Humanistic Buddhism, which collaborates with the community centers on various programs.
Leadership and Recognition
His leadership within the Buddhist community was further solidified in March 2007 when he was appointed Chief Sangha Nayaka of Malaysia by the Malwatta Chapter of the Siam Nikaya. In recognition of his contributions, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia conferred upon him the title of Datuk in November 2010.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Kirinde Sri Dhammaratana born?
Kirinde Sri Dhammaratana was born in the village of Kirinde in Matara, Sri Lanka, on July 24, 1948.
What is Kirinde Sri Dhammaratana's role in Malaysia?
He is the incumbent Buddhist Chief High Priest of Malaysia, a position he has held since 2006. He was officially appointed Chief Sangha Nayaka of Malaysia in 2007.
What significant welfare organization did Kirinde Sri Dhammaratana establish?
He established the Ti-Ratana Welfare Society in 1994. This non-profit organization offers care and shelter to women, children, the elderly, and the disabled, as well as medical aid to underprivileged communities.
What other activities is Kirinde Sri Dhammaratana involved in?
Beyond welfare work, he has been involved in educational roles, serving as principal of the Sunday Dhamma School at the Buddhist Maha Vihara and later as its Spiritual Advisor. The Ti-Ratana Buddhist Society, affiliated with the welfare society, promotes Humanistic Buddhism and runs cultural programs.
Related Buddhists
K. Sri Dhammananda
K. Sri Dhammananda was a Sri Lankan Buddhist monk and scholar, widely recognized as a prominent figure for Buddhism in Malaysia. He established the Buddhist Missionary Society and authored over 47 books on Buddhism, contributing significantly to its dissemination and understanding in the region.
K. L. Dhammajoti
K. L. Dhammajoti, born Lim Poi Cheng, is a Theravada Buddhist monk and a prominent scholar specializing in Sarvāstivāda Abhidharma. He is recognized globally for his significant contributions to Buddhist scholarship, including several influential personal works and his role as the founding editor of the Journal of Buddhist Studies. Currently, he serves as the director of the Buddha-Dharma Centre of Hong Kong Ltd.
Chi Chern
Chi Chern, born Zhōu Míngtiān in 1955, is a highly respected Chan Buddhist meditation teacher in Malaysia and Singapore. He is known as the first appointed Dharma heir of Master Sheng-yen and is the principal of the Malaysian Buddhist Institute. His teachings stem from a profound spiritual experience during a retreat led by Sheng-yen.