Book Review: Sanga Sasuna Pura Sanda (සඟසසුන පුරසඳ) by Nimal Sedera – By Donald Sarath Gunatillake
Source : Dæhæna – July 2026
For this month’s review, I have chosen the Sinhala book Sanga Sasuna Pura Sanda, a biography of the Most Venerable Wattegama Dhammawasa Maha Nayaka Thero, who celebrates his seventieth birthday on 9 July 2026. Written by veteran author Nimal Sedara, the book chronicles six decades of the Nayaka Thero’s devoted service to the Buddha Sasana. It is of particular interest to the Sri Lankan community in Brisbane, where Venerable Dhammawasa Thero has served for more than three decades while continuing to guide and develop his original temple, Subodharamaya, in Peradeniya.
Born in 1956 into a rural family in Udurawana, the young Dhammawasa Thero showed an early desire to enter
the Buddhist Order. At the age of eleven, he left home to be ordained, determined to dedicate his life to the Sasana. His father, who was respected in the village for his skill in chanting Pirith, may well have influenced this spiritual inclination.
A defining moment in his life came when he met Venerable Galabodawaththe Gnanalankara Thero of Subodharamaya, Peradeniya, who became his teacher and mentor. Under his guidance, the young monk received a traditional Buddhist education and later entered Sri Bharathi Pirivena for higher studies. The close relationship between teacher and pupil, strengthened through daily discussions of lessons learned, played an important role in shaping his intellectual and spiritual development.
Following the passing of his guru, Dhammawasa Thero assumed leadership of Subodharamaya at the young age of twenty-four. He accepted the challenge with confidence and determination, reorganised temple activities, re-established the Dayaka Sabha, and encouraged greater participation by devotees, young people, and women. Under his leadership, the temple expanded steadily with new facilities, including a Dhamma Hall, residential quarters for
monks, a large Buddha statue, and a thriving Dhamma School for children.
As the temple’s reputation grew, Venerable Dhammawasa sought advice from several distinguished monks, including Venerable Balangoda Ananda Maitreya Thero, Venerable Madihe Pannaseeha Thero, and Venerable Ampitiye Rahula Thero. Their encouragement and visits strengthened the temple’s standing and attracted further support. Among the many developments initiated during this period were a Bhikkhu Training Centre and a replica of the sacred Buddhagaya Stupa.
The book then describes another significant chapter of his life. In 1993, Sri Lankan Buddhists in Brisbane invited Venerable Dhammawasa Thero to lead the establishment of a Buddhist temple at Forest Lake. When he arrived, the facilities were extremely modest, but through his vision and tireless effort, the temple gradually developed into a vibrant centre of Buddhist worship, education, and community life. A stupa, Bodhi tree, Buddha statue,
Dhamma Hall, library, replica of the Avukana Stupa, and other facilities were established, while regular Dhamma sermons and a Dhamma School helped nurture the spiritual lives of both adults and children.
One of the most impressive aspects of the book is its account of the many religious, educational, and social institutions founded by the Nayaka Thero in both Sri Lanka and Australia. These achieve ments demonstrate his broad vision of serving society through spiritual guidance, education, and community development. The author also records that forty-one Bhikkhus have been ordained under his guidance and are now serving in Sri Lanka and abroad.
In recognition of his immense contribution to the Buddha Sasana, Venerable Dhammawasa Thero has received several honorary titles from the Amarapura Nikaya. Most recently, he was elevated to the distinguished position of Maha Nayaka Thero of the Sasana Jyothika Chapter, one of the highest honours bestowed upon a Buddhist monk. As Venerable Wattegama Dhammawasa Maha Nayaka Thero celebrates his seventieth birthday on 9 July 2026, we extend our heartfelt wishes for his good health and long life. Considering the unparalleled and immense service he has rendered, the title Sanga Sasuna Pura Sanda is especially fitting, suggesting that he shines like a full moon in the sky of the Buddhist Order. This book is not merely a biography; it is an inspiring account of dedication, perseverance, and selfless service, showing how the commitment of a single monk can strengthen both the Sasana and the wider community across two countries.
Donald Sarath Gunatillake
Donald Gunatillake is a retired Civil Engineer living in Brisbane.
