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.