Remarkable service of a Sri Lankan Bhikkhu in France

Ven. Paravahera Chandaratana Nayaka thera, his service to the order and community:

It was a story of courage, endurance and iron determination in the face of profound odds, of a Sri Lankan Bhikkhu in France who ultimately succeeded in establishing his mission in France , which today serves as a centre for the propagation of Buddhism and provides knowledge of Dhamma for any person interested in learning it.

International Buddhist Centre (IBC) or Le-Bourge Temple, which was founded by Chandaratana Thera, is also the place where large numbers of books on Theravada Tradition of Buddhism in French are published.

Most venerable Chandaratana thera was born on September 10, 1954 in the village of Paravahera in Matara.

He studied up to 5th standard at the village school. He was fortunate to learn under the tutelage of the most venerable Kadurupokune Dahammawansa thera who was the chief incumbent of Saranapala Pirivena in Galle, which led to Chandarathana thera's ordination on March 10, 1965 at Asokaramaya in Nakiyadeniya.

After studying at Saranapala Pirivena, Chandarathana Thera entered University of Colombo as a student of History.

However it was Dr. Roland Silva, former Commissioner of Archaeology and Director of Cultural Triangle who helped Ven.Chandarathana to pursue his higher studies in France. Dr.Roland Silva who was born to a respectable Catholic family, converted to Buddhism after realizing the universal value of the religion.

Ven.Chandrarathana thera recalls with gratitude how Prof. Sarath Amunugama, professor of Modern Languages at the University of Kelaniya taught him French and guided him though he had then few acquaintances in France. At the time, Chandaratana thera went to France, there was not a single temple teaching the Theravada tradition of Buddhism.

So the young novice Bhikkhu had to stay at a Cambodian temple for few months before moved onto a Vietnamese Temple where he laid the foundation for his future activities in France. He commenced with the establishment of Le-Bourget Temple and host of other services including publication of Buddhist texts in French for the benefit of French speaking population.

In 1982, a year after he came to France, Chandraratana thera entered the University of France to peruse his higher studies.

Having acquired a broader knowledge of French; Chandarathana thera completed his MA in history of religion in 1985, followed by three years research at University of Paris. Subsequently he completed part of his Doctorate in Sorbonne University in 1988.

When the communal riots broke out in Sri Lanka, Sri Lankans living in France could not escape from its impact. This led to the formation of Sinhalese Organisation in France under the Presidency of Ven.Chandrarathana thera.

In 1984, Chandrarathana thera established the Paris Buddhist Temple with the help of Dayaka Saba and Dr.Ananda Guruge, then Ambassador for Sri Lanka in France. On his request, the President's Fund granted a Hundred Thousand Francs for the temple.

Ven.Chandrarathana thera had to face a difficult time following the riots in Sri Lanka.

He moved to Paris city to set up the International Buddhist Centre temporarily and stayed there for about two years. It was a tumultuous time for Sri Lankans living in France, especially for the Sinhalese Community in France and a couple of Sinhalese had to sacrifice their lives as result of violence by extremists who launched attacks against Sinhalese in France, simultaneous with violence in Colombo in 1983.

A memorial wall was erected in the temple premises by Sinhalese Cultural Organisation in France.

Ven.Chandraratana Thera had to face cruel difficulties and this led Ven. Thera to form the International Buddhist Organisation with the help of well wishers and of all those interested in Buddhism in 1986.

He moved to the city of France to set up an International Buddhist Centre in a plot of land with a house which Ven.Chandraratana thera bought. He settled down with his fellow Bhikkhus Ven.Thawalama Dhammika and Ven.Vilattawa Vipassiee.

Thereafter he left for India entrusting the work of the temple to a French Lady and Mrs. Olga Dias. Towards the latter part of 1989, the Dhamma work by Ven.Thera was intensified with the help of diverse Buddhist nationalities.

On September 17, 1999, the newly built International Buddhist Centre was ceremonially opened in the presence of Ven. Balangoda Ananda Maithreiya Maha Nayaka Thero and Dr.Ananda Guruge, the High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in France.

The Centre, thus established, serves as a library of books on Buddhism in French for those who are interested to learn Buddhism in French and it also publishes books on Buddhism.

Another major step to serve the motherland initiated by Ven.Chandraratana thera was the establishment of the Sri Lanka, Educational, Cultural and Social Organisation in a bid to encourage Sri Lankans living in France to serve their motherland.

The cultural organization granted scholarships to needy Sri Lankan students and the organization was able to hold an exhibition of drawings by Sri Lankan children at UNESCO Office in France with the assistance from Diviyagaha Yassasee Thera.

The scholarship programmes for medical students and other undergraduates have been conducted successfully and it was aided by Sri Lankan devotees living in France as well as non- Sri Lankans in France.

The International Buddhist Centre and Computer School at Yatiyana Minuwangoda built at a cost of 25 million, provides free education and teach computer science, languages such as English and French in addition to providing food and lodging for deserving students.

The students who successfully followed 6 months Diploma at the Institute would enable students to obtain gainful employments.

When the Tsunami struck the island, large number of Sri Lankans as well as French and other nationals in France came forward to aid the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the affected people in Sri Lanka and a large number of French citizens sent aid in terms of material and goods to Sri Lanka through the International Buddhist Centre.

Ven.Chandraratana thera made use of the financial aid for the construction of houses for affected people in Kahava and Weligama and many other areas. About 12 houses under the 60-housing programme launched in Kahawa had already been completed and handed over to recipients.

It is noteworthy to mention that housing programme has not confined to Southern province and Ven. Chandraratana recalled that how the commanding officer Mr. Serasingha intervened to obtain a land for the housing programme initiated in Trincomalee and he said that the lethargic bureaucratic delays had hampered the progress of the housing programmes in the Southern Province.

He also complained that delays were caused in releasing containers from the port of Colombo. In addition to the housing project for the Tsunami Victims Ven.Parawahera Chandaratana Thera of the Sri- Lanka Educational Cultural and Social Services Organization under his Guidance and care has already taken a step ahead to take care of 50 orphans who lost their parents in the Tsunami Disaster and to contribute them monthly by cash.

At present plans have been arranged for 30 Orphans to receive this scheme. Monthly an orphan gets Rupees 1,500 and Rupees 2,500 in 2 categories.

Ven. Chandraratana thera has also found foster parents for the Tsunami Orphans. The ambitious project of International School in Horana (Colombo West) had already launched and the fully fledged school provides education in Sinhala and English media with emphasis on teaching foreign languages.

The school will also commence course on Information Technology and other professional subjects. Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake donated land for the purpose.

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