The Chief Incumbent of Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple , Ven. Galaboda Gnanissara Thero (81) has passed away.

Gnanissara Thero receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo. 

Venerable Galboda Sri Gnanissara Maha Thero  is born on December 1943 in the village known as Galboda in Matara. He was ordained as Galboda Gnanissara on the 8th of November 1954, and one of his teachers was Dewundara Ratanajothi. He is also popularly known as Podi Hamuduruwo, which translates to "Little Monk".

Venerable Galboda Gnanissara  thero has performed immense services to the under-privileged youths and traditional artists. One of the projects included the Sri Jinaratana Vocational Training Centre - a professional training institute with branches in various parts of Sri Lanka. Thousands of unemployed are able to gain employable skills and study English Language through the institutes and the English Academy that he had established. With valuable contributions towards the education of children, he also set up the Sumangala Dhamma School and the pre-school on the little island named Singithi Uyana.

Moreover, he also initiated building projects in Gangaramaya Temple which included the beautifully artistic Vihara premises. The Vihara Mandira, Atavisi Buddha Pooja mandira, Bodhimandapa, the preaching hall and the Simamalaka are all works of art and inspire faith among the devotees. Today, Beira Lake with its serene and beautiful environs is a popular tourist attraction.

In 2003, Venerable Galboda Gnanissara has been appointed as the "Sanghanyayaka" (high priest) of the Western Province by the Malwatta Chapter in Sri Lanka. The Asgiriya Chapter has honoured him with the conferment of "Darshana Visharada" equivalent to a doctorate.

He has dedicated his life to the practice and propagation of Buddhist principles, guided by a profound commitment to compassion, equality, and service to humanity. Despite facing numerous personal challenges and adversities throughout his life, 

Podi Hamuduruwo’s unwavering faith and resilience have inspired countless individuals across Sri Lanka and beyond. His teachings emphasize the importance of inner peace, selflessness, and the cultivation of virtuous qualities for the betterment of oneself and society.

Venerable Gnanissara thero

Venerable Gnanissara thero is so simple he never had a separate plate or cup reserved for him. He would come to the Dana Salawa and partake his meals using one of the common plates. He is kind towards all animals, be it elephants, birds or other creatures. He would pay those who bring captive birds like parrots to Colombo for sale and take them near the temple’s Bo tree and release them deriving much pleasure.

Though he had much resources, under his purview, he never had a personal bank account and always believed in things common to all. He collected many culturally important valuable antics, but it was mainly with the intention of displaying the pride of the nation and not for personal glory.

Podi Hamuduruwo’s visionary leadership has transformed Gangaramaya Temple into a dynamic center of spiritual growth, education, and community empowerment. Through his guidance, the temple has spearheaded various initiatives, including vocational training programs, educational workshops, and humanitarian projects, aimed at uplifting the lives of people from all walks of life.

As a revered spiritual leader and compassionate mentor, Podi Hamuduruwo continues to touch the hearts and minds of people around the world with his profound wisdom, kindness, and unwavering dedication to the path of righteousness.