Loku Hamuduruwo reaches 100th birthday

The revered Buddhist prelate, Ampitiye Sri Rahula Maha Thera or Loku Hamuduruwo of the Sri Vajiranana Dharmayatanaya, Maharagama, reaches his 100th birthday on December 24.

The Thera born to a wealthy and reputed family at Ampitiya in Kandy, and after ordination in the Bhikkhu sasana came to be known as Venerable Ampitiye Sri Rahula Thera.

He received his primary education at St. Mary's College (a seminary) at Ampitiya. Since his parents were devoted Buddhists they were keen that their son gained knowledge in Buddhism.

Subsequently he was sent to the Daham Pasela in Dalukgolle temple. Having had gained sufficient knowledge in Buddhism, Christianity and the English language, he entered the Order of the Sangha on 4th May 1936. His preceptor was Ven. Sri Saddhamma Jothipala Kavidhaja Vinayachariya Weragampita Sri Revatha Maha Thera, the Chief incumbent of Kamburugamuwa Devagiri temple.

Ven. Rahula Thera attended Vajiraramaya temple while he was residing at the Dodanduwa hermitage and received his higher ordination at Udakukkhepa Seema Malakaya at Kelaniya on 30th June, 1936.

He didn't attend any pirivena, but received his preliminary education - Dhamma - Vinaya languages from Ven. Revatha Maha Thero.

The mentors of Sri Rahula Thera were Venerable Pelene Sri Vajiranana Maha Thera, Venerable Thalangama Indrasara Maha Thera and Venerable Ahangama Sri Pragnaloka Maha Thera.

To describe the strong determination of this Noble Buddha Putra, Dhammasiri Hamuduruwo recollected his memory; Loku Hamuduruwo was quite witty amidst his compassion towards the mankind, when the two of my mentors visited the Charlie Wallauwa, Maha Nayake Thera was not pleased about the sight - but Loku Hamuduruwo kept silent and strongly determined to acquire the location. Thus when Loku Hamuduruwo decided to acquire the location, Maha Nayake Hamuduruwo agreed. They had been living in harmony as closely knitted brothers in the journey of Samasara. He chose the present entrance to the temple, Dehiwela - Maharagama road abandoning the previous plan to have the entrance via Katuwawela Road as he was thoughtful that such institution should be in a 'prime location' facing the leading road.

He was bestowed the senior membership of the Uttara Mandalaya along with the honorary title "Sri Dharmarakshita Vansalankara Mahopadhyaya" from the approval of the Most Venerable Maha Nayake Thera of the Amerapura Sri Dharmarakshitha Mahanayakaye and the Board of Uttara - Adhikarana - Karaka in recognition of his immaculate service to the Sambuddha Sasana. However the simple name of 'Ampitiye Loku Hamuduruwo' has been preferred by the Thera which shows more affection than the titles bestowed on him.

In view of his invaluable service, sacrifice and dedication to uplift the cause of Buddhism and the rare kind of noble qualities he held is worthy of utmost respect and high veneration in the history of Sri Lanka Buddhism.