Bhikkhuni Welagedara Dhamma Sri

Sri Lanka

Bhikkhuni Welagedara Dhamma Sri

Sri Lanka

Most Venerable Bhikkhuni Welagedara Dharma Sri was born in 1950 and from a very young age demonstrated a deep ability to observe and contemplate the behavior of people, animals and nature. At the age of 8, she felt a calling to renounce household life, and requested so of her father. However, she was denied, and therefore fasted. He punished her physically.

Despite these hardships and guided by faith, she ordained in 1970 and received Higher Ordination in 1978 at Budha Gaya, India. Subsequently, she served for 12 years as the Kammavacacariya (Vinaya Officiating Teacher) for ecclesiastical acts within the Vinaya Sima (ordination boundary). This role reflects her deep knowledge of the monastic rules, her discipline, and her respected standing within the monastic community. At present, she serves as the Upajjhaya (Preceptor) at the same Mangala Uposathagara of Rangiri Dambulla Uyanwatta Rama Vihara.

She resides in a rural village, Keenama, a predominantly Muslim community. She exhibits great patience, respect, and loving kindness to others and conducts meditation retreats for Buddhist families. Her presence in the community reflects extraordinary social sensitivity and spiritual insight which transcends boundaries of faith and culture.

Her talents lie in teaching, counseling, and community leadership. She has delivered over 2,680 Dhamma talks at temples, schools, and offices throughout Sri Lanka, inspiring both laypeople and monks alike. She has guided children in Dhamma education, organized religious and cultural activities, and contributed to the development of temples and Dhamma schools. She actively participates in environmental protection and undertakes humanitarian initiatives, including providing food and medicine to the sick, assisting the needy during droughts or natural disasters, and digging wells to supply clean drinking water to villages. Her support extends to poor schoolchildren, disadvantaged families, and hospital patients, reflecting her deep and sustained commitment to social welfare.

Most Venerable Bhikkhuni Welagedara Dharma Sri has touched and inspired the transformation of countless lives. Through decades of tireless teaching, social service, and spiritual leadership, she has nurtured harmony among communities, uplifted the suffering, and strengthened the Bhikkhunī Sasana. Her enduring dedication to the welfare of all beings continues to inspire deep faith, respect, and confidence, embodying the timeless essence of the Dhamma through a life of selfless and compassionate service.