Sri Wijayarama Vihara, a prominent place of Buddhist worship

By Jaliya Wijeyekoon

Buddhism had been entwined in the social fabric of the country which boasts of a recorded history of over 2,500 years. Buddhism was given state patronage by almost all the kings who ruled the country. However, with the foreign invasions, especially after the country became a British colony in 1815, the pride of place enjoyed by Buddhism diminished to a great extent. The propagation of Buddhism was curtailed and Christianity was spread through missionary schools set up in most parts of the country.

After 133 years of the British rule, the country regained the independence in 1948 and Buddhism was revived. A large number of new temples came into being and Buddhism was given its due place by the Government.

Sri Wijayarama Vihara in Manikkawatte, Awissawella is considered to be one of the most beautiful places of Buddhist worship in the Colombo district. It was built by its founder prelate Ven. Yogiyane Sri Jinawansa Thera in 1948 on a plot of land covered with shrubs and bushes with no access road. The temple was housed in a wattle and daub hut. He had been a kind-hearted, affable and a committed Bhikkhu and the villagers had rallied round him to develop the temple to its present state. He had rendered a great service to the people undergoing many hardships. Elderly people in the area say the chief incumbent had undergone numerous difficulties at the early stages in providing facilities to the devotees.

Facilities

The founder prelate Sri Jinawansa Thera passed away in 1986 after providing the basic facilities. Following the passing away of the founder prelate Sri Jinawansa Thera, his senior disciple Ven. Kosgama Mahanama Thera became the chief incumbent. He too rendered a great service to the people in the area while developing the temple. During his tenure the temple land was extended and the foundation stone for a three-storeyed building was put up for the Sunday school and library.

His disciples are engaged in religious activities in many parts of the island. When he passed away in 2005 Ven. Gonagala Jinarathana Thera was appointed the chief incumbent. He also functions as the Vice Principal of Sri Sumana Vidyayathanaya. There has been a remarkable improvement in all aspects of the temple since then.

Ven. Kuruwita Rathanawansa Thera, a young Bhikkhu has also shouldered the development activities of the temple in addition to his regular religious duties.

Creations

A cetiya at the highest elevation of the temple premises and the row of over 60 statues of Arahat Bhikkhus on an overhead bridge from the upper elevation right up to the Dhathu Mandiraya on a lower level are marvellous creations. The upper shrine room is built around a Bo tree with a canopy and with fully covered walls on which various Jathaka stories have been drawn beautifully leaving ample space for devotees to go round, perform religious observances and even conduct Bodhi poojas.

Between the upper shrine room and cetiya there is another incredible creation of a seated statue of ascetic Siddhartha prior to attaining Buddhahood practising Dushkarakkriya. On the opposite side of it is a serene scene of the five disciples (Paswaga Mahanun) listening to the first sermon of the Buddha.

The temple, Sri Vijayarama is situated barely a kilometre away from Avissawella on an elevated location surrounded by a peaceful environment.

A large number of temples has been built after the post-independence era in the Western Province. But Avissawella Manikkawatta Sri Vijayarama is the most beautiful new temple in the Western Province.

Transparency

The chief incumbent Ven. Gonagala Jinarathana and Ven. Kuruvita Rathanawansa said the rapid development of the temple was due to dedication and the transparency in financial matters.

Ven. Kuruvita Rathanawansa Thera pointing to the half built three-storeyed building said his intention was to complete it soon and one floor would be used to depict the Sath Sathiya.

The Thera heads the Sunday Dhamma School supported by a tutorial staff of 15 members. "There are over 500 students and we always prepare them for various Dhamma competitions in which our students have always excelled." the Thera said.