About the Founder

Ven. Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thero was born in Sri Lanka in 1961. He became a monk at age 17 and studied traditional Buddhist teachings. While attending university, he began reading the original teachings of the Buddha in the Pāli Canon, which inspired him to leave temple life and dedicate himself fully to practicing the Dhamma.

He spent many years studying and practicing in forest monasteries and remote places like the Himalayas and Sri Pada jungle. After gaining deep understanding and experience, he founded Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery in August 1999 to share the pure teachings of the Buddha.

He has written over 300 books in Sinhala and several in English, helping people understand the Buddha’s teachings in simple language. His work includes translating the Sutta Pitaka into everyday Sinhala so that anyone can read and benefit from it.

His unique approach is to teach only the pure words of the Buddha, without adding personal opinions, making his Dhamma service truly special.

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Founder’s Message

Over 2,600 years ago, the Supreme Buddha appeared in the world and shared the ultimate truth about life. People at that time were searching for meaning, and the Buddha helped them understand how to end suffering and escape the cycle of birth and death (Samsara).

The Buddha’s teachings, called the Dhamma, were preserved in the Pāli language by enlightened monks and spread across the world, including to Sri Lanka by Arahant Mahinda Thero, the son of King Ashoka. He helped establish Buddhism in Sri Lanka and guided people to live meaningful lives.

Over time, the practical understanding of Buddhism faded, but the original teachings were still protected. Today, even though many people are not deeply interested in spiritual truth, there are still wise individuals seeking it.

Ven. Gnanananda Thero studied the full Dhamma and realized its deep wisdom. In 1999, he started Mahamevnawa as a tribute to Arahant Mahinda Thero’s mission. His goal is to share the pure Dhamma with everyone, regardless of race, religion, or background.

He invites everyone to learn, understand, and live by the Buddha’s teachings, which are open to all who seek truth and peace.

I welcome you all to Mahamevnawa organization with Loving Kindness. Within our Dhamma service, we have no restrictions regarding race, cast, language, color or religion. The truth unveiled by the Gautama Buddha is open to everyone. If you are wise to understand that truth, then that truth is for you and your good and protection. Therefore, let us gather around that truth, the righteous Dhamma. Let us learn it, understand it and live accordingly to it. It is currently our noble duty to share this splendid gift of sweet Dhamma with everybody. May you all be blessed by the Supreme Buddha, the Sublime Dhamma, and the Noble Sangha, Noble friends in Dhamma, and all deities!

~ Ven. Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thero ~