The qualities of a Buddhist monk, as detailed by The Buddha is multifaceted. Among them are knowledge, discipline, depth and endurance – and Most Venerable Dr. Mambulgoda Sumanarathana Maha Thera, widely known as Doowa Podihamuduruwo, is a classic example for such qualities.   

The Doowa, Brahmanagama Raja Maha Viharaya of Kottawa and its Chief Prelate Sumanarathana Maha Thera are jewels, not only to Makumbura and Kottawa area, but also to the entire country. Along a with a Doctoral degree from Sri Jayawardhanapura University, the Maha Thera was the Deputy Director General of National Institute of Education. He possesses an extensive knowledge on contemporary religions. Even his preachings would include teachings from Christianity and Islam, not in a conflicting tone whatsoever – as it had been the normal practice – but in a contemporary and respective note. Thus, his sermons will never undermine or criticise any other religion; a highly commendable endeavour he had been practicing during his 47-years in robes.   

The services of the Maha Thera are not confined only to the Saasana. His yeoman services to the community are of the highest stature and he could be a role model to any village residing monk. We are proud to claim that we are the custodians of the Doowa Temple and followers of its Chief Prelate Most Ven. Dr Mambulgoda Sumanarathana Maha Thera who is today (April 2) being assumed as the Deputy Chief Kolamba Nawa Koralaya and Nawa Thotamuna of Kotte Sri Kalyani Dharma Maha Sangha Sabha; a position he well deserves as a learned and highly disciplined Maha Thera.  Ven. Sumanarathana Thera would be the first visitor when a member of the village community passes away and practically takes charge of the emergency protocols of the situation for the betterment of the grieving family. He would advise to have a low profile funeral and advise the family to arrange it as soon as possible – ideally within 24 hours – to make it cost effective and practical. He would be the person to inform the Grama Sevaka, Police, the PHI (during the pandemic) and even the parlour. It’s no exaggeration if a claim is made that he the best and first social service leader in the village. If the family is not adhering to his advice and suggestions, then his help will also vary according to the rigid level of the family.   

Being one of the best Buddhist preachers in the country he would not demand the villagers to use his services all the time. Sumanarathana Thera would encourage inviting guest preachers to the village and would not stop there. Sometimes he himself is the first in the row of the audience to listen to such a preacher. The doors of the Doowa temple are always open to visiting monks irrespective of Nikaya division. “We all belong to the Nikaya of The Buddha,” he would always say.   

One of many things that I learnt from the Maha Thera was his strict commitment to time management. If one agrees to accompany him for an event at 7 pm, the Thera would be ready to leave exactly on time and he would not tolerate even a five-minute delay. Knowing his demands for punctuality we the custodians would make the practice to be in the temple at least 10-15 minutes before and event.   

Starting his career as a school teacher in 1989, Ven. Sumanarathana Thera climbed the ladder up to the highest position of his institution, but never utilised the salary for his benefit. Those funds were diverted to the construction of the road network of the village, building houses for the low income families and community centres and supplying electricity to many areas of the village. At last, he dedicated his EPF and ETF funds for the construction of a two-storied MOH office complex building in Kahathuduwa, Homagama at a cost of Rs 22 million. And he has decided not to apply for the state pension scheme.   

Even the temple is a classic case study on cleanliness, well management and disciplinary order.   
In my 35-year-old close friendship with the monk and our association with him there have been many arguments and differences of ideas, but all those engagements enriched our intellectual discourse and deep understanding. He is a person with deep academic knowledge, high discipline and commitment to the enrichment of Buddhism. It could be said in no uncertain terms that Ven. Sumanarathana Maha Thera is a truly exemplary character to the contemporary Buddhist monks of Sri Lanka.