Kotugoda Dhammawasa Mahanayaka Thero

Agga Maha Pandita Kotugoda Dhammawasa Mahanayaka Thero

Agga Maha Pandita Kotugoda Dhammawasa Mahanayaka Thero, born Sirimevan Rodrigo on January 23, 1933, was a highly respected Sri Lankan Buddhist monk. He ascended to the position of supreme Mahanayaka of the Sri Lanka Amarapura Nikaya and served as the chief incumbent of Sri Dharmapalaramaya in Mount Lavinia.

Early Life and Ordination

Born as the youngest of seven siblings in Kotugoda, Sri Lanka, his early education took place at a local Buddhist mixed school. He developed a close association with his village temple and its chief incumbent, Ven. Kotugoda Pemananda Nayaka Thera. Later, he became a disciple of Ven. Unavatune Dhammapala Thera and was ordained as a novice monk at the age of 15 on August 17, 1948. His monastic education included studies at Paramadhammacetiya Pirivena and Vidyodaya Maha Pirivena, where he delved deeply into the Tripitakas in Pali and Sanskrit.

Religious Service and Literary Contributions

Kotugoda Dhammawasa Thera's religious service expanded through his association with prominent Buddhist leaders. Under the guidance of Ven. Narada Thera and Ven. Piyadassi Thera, he commenced missionary activities. Following his higher ordination on July 10, 1954, he became a prolific author, publishing over 36 books on Buddhist subjects from the 1960s onwards. He also founded the Bauddhodaya Association to foster literacy and initiated the publication of a 'Vesak Annual'.

Leadership in the Amarapura Nikaya

His administrative career within the Amarapura Nikaya saw him hold numerous significant posts. He was appointed to the Working Committee in 1970 and later served as Honorary Prelate (Maha Nayaka). He became Chief Ecclesiastical Sangha Nayaka in 1981, Deputy Chief (Anunayaka) in 1990, and was elected Secretary. He also served as Amarapura Co-Secretary and Chief Secretary. He was instrumental in achieving the Sanghadhikarana Panatha (Ecclesiastical Act). On October 3, 2008, he was appointed chairman, and on December 17, 2016, he became the Mahanayaka of the Amarapura Nikaya. His ultimate elevation to supreme Mahanayaka Thera of the Amarapura Nikaya occurred on May 26, 2017.

International Reach and Recognition

Beyond Sri Lanka, Kotugoda Dhammawasa Thera actively disseminated the Dhamma in various countries across Asia and the West, including India, Nepal, China, Japan, Myanmar, Bhutan, Germany, the United Kingdom, and America. The Burmese government recognized his contributions by conferring upon him the prestigious title "Aggamahapandita" on March 2, 2007.

Later Life and Death

His health declined in mid-2020. Kotugoda Dhammawasa Thera passed away on March 22, 2021, in Colombo at the age of 88. His funeral rites were conducted at the Dharmapalaramaya temple in Mount Lavinia, followed by a national mourning on the day of his funeral, March 25, 2021.