Anagarika Dharmapala remembered
by H.A.W. Hewawasam and Asela KURULUWANSA
Anagarika Dharmapala was a great person with strong resolution and
set purpose, who resuscitated the Sinhala nation when they faced a
crisis situation. Seeing the culture and traditional practices were in
peril owing to colonial aggression, Anagarika Dharmapala opened the eyes
of the people, the danger for which they were heading for.
Even he discarded the foreign name by which he was known as Don David
and changed his name as Anagarika Dharmapala, said Mahodhaya Pada,
Senior Executive Sangha Karaka Sabhika Ven. Aluthgama Dhammananda thera
addressing the 146th anniversary and the Anagarika Dharmapala Day
commemoration held at the precincts of Sri Daladamaligawa where the
statue of Anagarika Dharmapala stands. The Governor of the Central
Province Tikiri Kobbakaduwa - The Deputy Commissioner of Buddhist
Affairs Udovita, SSP Ranjith Kasturiratne were present at the occasion.
Ex Parliamentarian and the Viharadhipathi of Udawattakele Temple -
Ven. Udawatta Nanda thera said the policies of Anagarika Dharmapala
should be upheld. He used to be the first person to lead campaigns
against slaughter of cattle for human consumption.
Further he led campaigns even in India for restoration of Buddhist
Temples and the pioneer in establishing the Mahabodhi Society in Sri
Lanka. The Commissioner of Buddhist Affairs Udovita too spoke. |