Appointed
as WP Chief Sanghanayaka
The Mahanayake Thera and the Sangha Council of the Malwatta Chapter
of Siyam Nikaya has appointed Ven. Dr. Akuratiye Nanda Thera, former
Vice Chancellor of the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka
and Deputy Editor of the Sinhala Dictionary, as the Chief Sanghanayaka
of the Western Province.
The post fell vacant with the passing away of the Most Ven. Madagoda
Sumanatissa Thera, Principal of Sunethradevi Pirivena, Pepiliyana.
Ven.
Nanda Thera was educated at Vidyaloka Pirivena, Galle and at Vidyodaya
Pirivena, Maligakanda. Having entered the University of Kelaniya,
he obtained the Bachelor of Arts degree and Master of Philosophy
degree from the same University. Ven. NandaThera holds a Diploma
in Administration from Cambridge University as well as from Manchester
University in the UK.
Presently
Ven. Nanda Thera is responsible for the compilation of the Sinhala-English
Etymological Dictionary begun by the Royal Asiatic Society (Ceylon
Branch) and continued now by the Cultural Affairs Ministry. Ven.
Nanda Thera holds several local and international posts such as
Vice-President of the Mahabodhi Society of India and an executive
position in the World Sangha Council.
He
founded the Civic Centre and Montessori in Baddegama and initiated
scholarship programmes for local impoverished children. He has edited
several scholarly works. At present, he holds the important monastic
education position of Vice Principal of the Vidyodaya Pirivena and
is also Principal of F.R. Senanayake Dhamma school. |