Centenary Celebrations of the “SERVANTS OF THE BUDDHA” today

A Meeting in Progress in Maitreya Hall

The lay Buddhist society “Servants of Buddha” will be holding the centenary celebrations today (23) at Maitreya Hall (next to Mettarama Temple) on Lauries Road, Colombo 04. To benefit those unable to attend due to COVID-19 health regulations, the Centenary celebration’s proceedings will be live-streamed online from Maitreya Hall. The event’s Chief Guest will be Chief Meditation Master of Meethirigala Forest Monastery, Most Venerable Uda-Eriyagama Dhammajiva Thera, while the Guest of Honour will be Buddha Sasana Ministry’s Secretary Prof. Kapila Gunawardene.

A unique organisation 

Servants of the Buddha is a group of individuals who strive to learn, practice and preserve the Buddha’s teachings in its pristine purity. The society is registered by an Act of Parliament.  The Society was founded in 1921 by Dr. Cassius Pereira (a medical doctor) who was later ordained as Ven. Kassapa in Vajiraramaya. Other Founding Members comprise Mr W.J. Soysa, Mr. W.A. de Silva and Mr. Hema Basnayake.  Current President is Mrs Anoja Wijeyesekera. All positions are honorary. Patron is Ven. Siri Vajiraramaye Nanasiha Thera (formerly Mr Olcott Gunasekera). 
 The society has several unique features. All proceedings have been in English throughout its 100 year history. As a result, several monks, well-known for overseas Dhammaduta work became conversant in delivering the Dhamma by participating in the weekly meetings of the Servants of the Buddha. The Membership comprises lay Buddhists. Monks and nuns are honorary members and provide invaluable guidance. Weekly meetings are held on Saturday afternoons in English, in Maitreya Hall on Lauries Road and are open to the public. Meetings are held weekly, every Saturday afternoon from 4.30 to 6.00 pm at Maitreya Hall in Bambalapitiya.
The architectural style of the Maitreya Hall (the society’s headquarters) resembles a church although this Dharma-salava (preaching hall) was built as a House of Dhamma, at a period in our colonial history when Buddhism was suppressed. Built in 1903 by the Buddhist Aid Association led by Mr J.E.R. Pereira; its purpose was for teaching English to monks and for preaching the Dhamma in English.

Origins & Historical Milestones 

The Society started when the Buddha’s teaching was not widely available despite the Buddhist Revival gathering momentum in colonial Ceylon.  It was a time when Sir Edwin Arnold’s “Light of Asia” was being read avidly and some colonial administrators were realising how civilised, harmless and serene the Buddhist Way of Life was. The doors of the West were opening to Buddhism and the first ordinations of Englishmen as Buddhist monks occured at the start of the 20th century. 
The Society has been sustained through the generosity of members and well-wishers. Participants, Volunteers and Sponsors, are welcome to contact <[email protected]>

Compiled by Prof. Manouri Senanayake / Board Member, Servants of the Buddha