Recognising the essential role of fully ordained Bhikkhus in ensuring the long-term continuity of the Buddha Sasana, the extension of State patronage for this purpose is truly commendable. - ”Secretary General of the Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Nikaya
The Upasampada Vinaya Karma Ceremony of the Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Nikaya is planned to be held this year, nine years after the last such event, under the guidance of the Most Venerable Karagoda Uyangoda Maithrimoorthy Maha Nayaka Thera, Deputy Chief Prelate of the Amarapura Maha Nikaya. Most Venerable Balapitiyage Sirisewali Thera, Secretary General of the Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Nikaya, praised the Government for extending State patronage to this ceremony, recognising the essential role of fully ordained Bhikkhus in ensuring the long-term continuity of the Gautama Buddha Sasana.
The Mahanayaka thera made these remarks during a preliminary discussion on the State Upasampada Vinaya Karma Ceremony, held this morning (19) at the Presidential Secretariat, under the supervision of Most Venerable Balapitiyage Sirisewali Nahimipane and the leadership of Secretary to the President, Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.
The Upasampada Vinaya Karma ceremony of the Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Nikaya is scheduled to be held from 10 to 25 July 2026 at the Udakukkhepa Seema Malaka, located in vicinity of the Kalutara Bodhi, with the participation of over 400 novice monks.
The State Upasampada Vinaya Karma ceremony will take place on 9 July 2026 at 3.00 p.m., in Kalutara Bodhi premises, under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
It is of special significance that the State Upasampada Vinaya Karma of the Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Nikaya, which is ordinarily conducted once every three years, is being held on this occasion under the patronage after a lapse of nine years.
Plans have been made to hold the Upasampada ceremony of the Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Nikaya with State patronage, following a request made by the Most Venerable Karagoda Uyangoda Maithrimurthi Maha Nayaka Thera, the Supreme Mahanayaka of the Amarapura Maha Nikaya, when President Anura Kumara Dissanayake called on him on 1 January to receive blessings for the New Year. PMD reported.
Accordingly, extensive discussions were held on the organisational arrangements for the Upasampada Vinaya Karma ceremony of the Amarapura Maha Nikaya, to be conducted with the support of State institutions, the Tri-Forces, the Police and several private sector organisations, under the coordination of the President’s Office.
The Chief Secretary of the Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Sangha Sabha, Rajakeeya Pandit and Doctor of Philosophy, Venerable Balapitiye Siriseevali Nayaka Thera, on behalf of the Amarapura Maha Sangha Sabha, commended the Government led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for the commitment and support extended towards the Upasampada Vinaya Karma ceremony of the Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Nikaya, which is being held after a lapse of nine years in accordance with the guidance of the Most Venerable Karagoda Uyangoda Maithreemurthi Maha Nayaka Thera, the Supreme Mahanayaka of the Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Nikaya.
The following were present on the occasion: Deputy Registrar of the Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Sangha Sabha, Venerable Ahangama Maithrimoorthy, Assistant Registrar Venerable Ambalangoda Sumedhananda and Assistant Secretary Venerable Nidahasgama Kalyanasiri thero, Venerable Morahela Sugathajothi, Venerable Avissawella Dhammananda, Joint Secretary of the Udarata Samagri Sangha Sabha Venerable Mahamevnawe Mangala Thero, Secretary to the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Prince Senadheera, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, Inspector General of Police (Attorney-at-Law) Priyantha Weerasuriya, Chairman of the Amarapura Maha Sangha Sabha, Ajith de Zoysa, Treasurer Dhammika Samarawickrama, along with government officials, senior officers of the tri-forces, representatives of private institutions and several others.
