Felicitating “Podi Hamuduruvo” on his 76th birthday

Podi Hamuduruvo blessing Indian Premier Narendra Modi during his visit to Gangaramaya

Our nation is duty bound to salute and express utmost gratitude to Sri Gangarama Viharadhipathi Ven. Dharshana Visharada Galboda Gnanissara Thera, the Chief Sanghanayake Thera of Western Province, on his 76th birthday which dawns today. 

Since his entry to the order of Maha Sangha 55 years ago, the name and fame of “Podi Hamuduruvo” became a household term in Sri  Lanka due to the gigantic missions he rendered to purify and strengthen the islandwide social fabric. 

On November 8, 1954, eleven-year-old Don Karunaratne was ordained as a Bhikkhu and became the youngest Samanera at Hunupitiya Gangarama Viharaya in Colombo

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Podi Hamuduruwo has implemented multi-faceted schemes to benefit and elevate youth population

Galboda Kankanamage Don Karunaratne, born on December 14, 1943, hails from a farming family in a richly agricultural hamlet known as Galboda in the Kamburupitiya electorate. 
During his early ages, Karunaratne attended Kapuduwa Vidyalaya in his native village. His parents were Galboda Kankanamage Don Maddumage Mahatmaya and Amarawickrama Liyanage Selehena Hamine. His family consists of two elder brothers and two younger sisters. 

Little Karunaratne was initially garbed in shirt and trousers being his school uniform. However, he preferred to be attired only in the national dress when attending Daham Pasala. He was highly conscious and deeply interested in national and religious affairs. In 1948, when the nation celebrated its first independence day, Karunaratne was greatly inspired. His ideologies moved more towards Buddhist culture. As he always wished, he became fortunate to get his parents’ consent and cooperation to enter the order of Maha Sangha. 

Podi Hamuduruvo’s parents

Thus, on November 8, 1954, eleven-year-old Don Karunaratne was ordained as a Bhikkhu and became the youngest Samanera at Hunupitiya Gangarama Viharaya in Colombo. 
He was named Galboda Gnanissara Thera. His Guru Devas were Ven. Devundara Sri Vaccishwara and Ven. Devundara Sri Ratanajothi Theras. Coincidentally, this auspicious day opened a new page in the history of the temple when Sri Jinaratana Bhikkhu Training Institute as well as the Gnanissara Pirivena were inaugurated simultaneously. 

Before long, the new enterprising samanera earned the respect and admiration of all those who patronised and acquainted the Viharaya, becoming famous as “Podi Hamuduruvo.” 
In 1961, during a sea voyage to Malaysia, Gangarama Viharaya Chief Incumbent Ven. Devundara Vaccishwara Thera became visually impaired and disabled until his demise in 1984. For 23 long years, “Loku Hamuduruwo” remained ill. 

As a loyal pupil, Podi Hamuduruwo who was just 18 years old volunteered to accept the challenges of the hour. Whilst being an undergraduate at Sri  Jayewardenepura University, he solely undertook to nurse and take care of his sick Gurudeva. Besides, he was burdened with leadership responsibilities, religious programmes and maintenance duties of the temple. Vaccishwara (Loku Hamuduruvo) who was pleased with his courageous pupil made him his successor as Viharadhipathi. 

Gangarama Viharaya was built and gifted to Sri Sambuddha Sasana by religious benefactor Mudaliyar Don Bastian de Silva Gunawardana in early 19th century. 
In the past Gangarama Viharaya, with its splendid history had always provided shelter to many a scholarly and erudite Maha Sangha such as Ven. Ratmalane Sri Dharmarama, Waskaduwe Sri Subhuti, Weligama Sri Sumangala, Welivitiye Dhammaratne and Pundit Batuwantudawe. 

At present, under the stewardship of Ven. Galboda Gnanissara Thera, Gangarama Viharaya is reputed as one of the most prestigious temples in the island and is beautifully located by Lake Beira. Temple complex includes an ancient “Sema Malaka” in the heart of the lake. This had been reconstructed by our ‘Podi Hamuduruvo’ according to modern techniques of renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa. 

The Dagoba and sacred Bo-tree from the sapling of Jayasri Maha Bodhi, along with the Buddha’s sacred hair relic casket, are among the venerable fortunes. Its library and museum too are unique. 

Ven. Gnanissara Podi Hamuduruwo, while attending to religious activities, had also implemented multi-faceted schemes to benefit and elevate youth population as well as numerous underprivileged groups throughout the country. 

In 1979, Podi Hamuduruvo founded the Nawam Maha Perahera in Colombo. This glamorous cultural pageant has now become a great tourist attraction. 

Besides, his untiring community services include an elder’s home which is operated by Gangaramaya Temple in Kataragama. The old age home is run primarily as a shelter for homeless people who have been abandoned by their families or have no support. In Kataragama and Kotte, he started orphanages which are open to children of all religions. The orphanages provide shelter, schooling and upbringing of children abandoned by their parents. Children with intellectual and physical disabilities are also accommodated there. 

Galboda Gnanissara Thera established the Sumangala Daham Pasala and a preschool at Singithi Uyana. He has strictly emphasised sanitation and cleanliness programmes. He also spent money and donated toiletries and urinals to various monastic schools in Sri Lanka. In order to set an example and encourage sanitation and cleanliness, he has been spotted demonstrating sanitary welfare service. 

In the field of vocational education, the Gangaramaya  Temple provides gratis vocational training. Over 7,000 people attend classes daily and training for over 50 technical courses is imparted. Training is held at Sri Jinaratana Training Institute and some of the subjects are secretarial courses, English language, electronics, motor mechanism, bricolage (tinkering), painting, blacksmith, welding and electric wiring. 

In appreciation of his benevolent services, the Malwatta Chapter Karaka Maha Sangha Sabha appointed him as Sangha Nayaka of Western  Province. Meanwhile, the Asgiri Chapter bestowed on him with the honorary title “Dharshana Visharada” (equivalent to a doctorate). He also briefly served as Sanghanayake of Sri Lanka Buddhist Temples in USA. 

Today, Gangarama Viharaya serves not only as a place of Buddhist worship but also as a centre of learning. The temple is involved in Buddhist welfare service including elder’s homes, a vocational school and orphanages. The temple is uniquely attractive and tolerant to congregation members of many religions. It has also been instrumental in establishing the Buddhist  Temple on Staten Island (US), the Buddhist Centre in New York and the Buddhist Centre in Tanzania, thereby helping to propagate Buddha Dhamma overseas. 

Such distinguished standards have been reached mainly due to the marvelous efforts and sacrifices exerted by Most Ven. Galboda Gnanissara Thera, our beloved “Podi Hamuduruvo” who celebrates his 76th birthday today. 

May all misfortunes be averted,
May all sickness be healed,
May no danger befall on him,
May he live long,
We wish Podi Hamuduruvo “Sukhi 
Dighayuko Bhawa!