Online edition of Sunday Observer

When Buddhists around the world celebrate the `Thrice Blessed Day' of Lord Buddha on May 12, it is of paramount importance to Buddhists in Sri Lanka. Vesak marks the birth, enlightenment and the Parinibbana of this enlightened one and also spreads His doctrine.

Significantly it marks the 2550th Buddha Jayanthi. In addition, the 73rd death anniversary of Anagarika Dharmapala and the 95th death anniversary of Ven. Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Thera also coincides with this year's Vesak celebrations. Buddhists in Sri Lanka also commemorate the centenary death anniversary of Col. Steele Olcott this year.

The invaluable service rendered by Anagarika Dharmapala, also known as Siri Devamitta Dhammapala Himi to propagate Buddhism in Sri Lanka is carved in the minds of Buddhists and the Buddhist community internationally.

The `Sinhala Bauddhaya' newspaper held in high esteem by the Buddhists in the country was founded by Anagarika Dharmapala in 1906.

Following the death of Anagarika Dharmapala on April 29, 1933, fourteen Sinhala scholars including Piyadasa Sirisena, I. M. R. A. Iriyagolla, Hemapala Munidasa, David Karunaratna, Edmond Ranasinghe and Harischandra Wijetunga were in the forefront in the printing of this Sinhala publication.

Chandrasena Ranaweera is the present Editor of `Sinhala Bauddhaya'. Currently the journal is published under the guidance of Ven. Banagala Upatissa Nayaka Thera, Chief Nayaka Thera of the Mahabodhi Aggrasrawaka Maha Viharaya, Colombo.

Anagarika Dharmapala, also known as Don David Hewawitharana and Sri Devamitta during his early days was born in 1864 in Colombo. He received his primary education at St. Mary's Catholic School and at St. Benedict's College, Kotahena. Thereafter he continued his studies at St. Thomas' Collegiate school from 1878 to 1883.

After the school career, Anagarika Dharmapala concentrated on Buddhist activities both here and abroad. During this period he visited several countries including Japan, Rangoon, Chicago, America, Shanghai in China, Bangkok, India, England, Denmark and New York.

It was during the colonial regime in early 20th century, the rights of the Sinhala Buddhists of Sri Lanka were suppressed by colonial rulers. The Buddhist leaders in the country, both clergy and laymen rallied round to restore the rights of the people.

Rev. Anagarika Dharmapala organised a freedom movement to protect the Sinhala Buddhist rights in the country. He was instrumental in not only launching a freedom movement, but also a battle against the injustice committed to the people.

During that time Rev. Dharmapala felt that the country urgently needed a powerful Sinhala Buddhist voice. This was the beginning of the `Sinhala Bauddhaya'. Since it was established, the newspaper made a big impact among the people of the country as a `protector' and a `preserver' of Buddhism.

Another drive of this newspaper was to propagate the Anti-Alcoholism Movement and the promotion of Sinhala language.

The `Sinhala Bauddhaya' journal became a formidable force in the country. In 1915, the British rulers, banned the publication of this journal and sealed the press. Anagarika Dharmapala was kept under house detention in India.

After his return to Sri Lanka, he re-commenced the publication of `Sinhala Bauddhaya'. Although the name of the journal was `Sinhala Bauddhaya', it was never a threat to any community or other religion.

Meanwhile Ven. Banagala Upatissa thera, the Chief Nayaka Thera of Mahabodhi Society of Sri Lanka has made arrangements to conduct a ceremony at Mahabodi Aggrasrawaka Maha Viharaya in Colombo on May 7 to coincide with the 2550th Buddha Jayanthi Commemoration and the centenary celebration of the publication of `Sinhala Bauddhaya'.

In an interview with the Sunday Observer Ven. Upatissa Thera said that a symposium for Buddhist scholars will also be held on May 7. In addition a stamp to the value of Rs. 5.00 will be issued to mark the ceremony under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapakse.

The Ven. Nayaka Thera said he had proposed to construct a replica of Bamian Buddha Statue in Sri Lanka shortly and to establish the Anagaraika Dharmapala Museum at Agrasrawaka Maha Viharaya in Colombo for the benefit of the future generation.

The Mahabodi Society of Sri Lanka will conduct an exposition of the Relics of Most Venerable Sariputta and Maha Moggallana from May 13 to 15 at the Vihara in Colombo.


Most Ven. Shenghui Standing Senior Vice President Buddhist Association of China.	'Buddha Sasana Jotaka' Most Ven, Junkai Osada Chief priest seigoin Temple Japan.	Archbishop Shoei Takeda Jodo shinshu Hongwanji - Ha Kyoto - Japan	Rev. Otani Saneshige Foundation for the maintenance of Honganji, Kyoto, Japan.	Ven. Tsuneo Inoue Chief priest Gansenji Temple Japan.

Mr. Isamu Aoki Mayor of Katsushika - ku Tokyo - Japan.	Therani Tokusha ok Umura Supreme Chief priest Shokanji Temple Japan.	Mr. Kaoru Aida Tokyo, Japan.	Mr. Park Joon Ho Director HWA Gye Kidergarten Seoul, Korea.	Sri Dayanand Maske Hon State Minister Housing, Govt. of Maharashtra, India