Appointed Adhikarana Sanghanayaka Thera

Ven. Godauda Ariyadhamma Thera has been appointed Adhikarana Sanghanayaka Thera of the Western Province by the Sri Lanka Amarapura Sri Saddhammawansa Maha Nikaya. A pious and erudite monk and a well-known writer, teacher, preacher and social and religious worker Ven.

Ariyadhamma Thera was ordained on 24th August 1964 under the tutelage and preceptorship of Ven. Aggamaha Panditha Attudawe Ariyawansa Nayaka Thera and Ven. Panditha Attudawe Gnanodaya Nayaka Thera.

Ever since he received his first appointment as a teacher attached to the Kithulewela Pirivena in Matara in 1981 he has set apart a part of his salary for the distribution of school equipment among needy students for over 12 years, last year alone he has distributed books valued at Rs. 185,000 and stationery worth Rs. 20,000 among needy children with his own funds.

He now has a record of 27-year service as a dedicated teacher who has churned out disciplined and knowledgeable students.

He was also instrumental in conducting a Daham Pasala on Saturdays in the English medium at the Sri Sudharmaramaya, Maligawatta. He has also conducted many social and religious activities including the training of Daham Pasal teachers, conducting educational seminars for getting examinations and bhakthi gee contests through the Maha Mahinda Bhikkhu Padanama.

An all night Pirith ceremony was held on June 18 to invoke blessings on Ven. Ariyadhamma Thera on his new appointment.

Several books and articles written by him including 'Malli Wethatai' and 'Sathwayage Sambhavaya' were also launched during this ceremony.