Kelani Young Men’s Buddhist Association turns 66

Buddhist Association was recognised by the State as a ‘Non-Profit Organization’  from January 30,1959, and statutorily incorporated by the Kelani Young Men’s Buddhist Association Act, No. 19 of 1966  from June 6,1966 

The Kelani Young Men’s Buddhist Association (The Kelani YMBA) was set up on August 3, 1958 under the name ‘Sri Kalyani Bauddha Samithiya’, (which was changed to “Kelani Young Men’s Buddhist Association”  from 07.09.1958)  as a result of initiatives, commitment and effective action of a team of social activists for social-cultural enhancements of the people in the area based on the key principles of the Buddhist philosophy.  

Having recognised the contribution to social development, the Kelani Young Men’s
Buddhist Association was recognised by the State as a ‘Non-Profit Organization’  from January 30,1959, and statutorily incorporated by the Kelani Young Men’s Buddhist Association Act, No. 19 of 1966  from June 6,1966.  
The objects of the Association include providing facilities and fostering the study and the propagation of the Buddha Dhamma, encouraging the observance of the Buddha Dhamma, promoting unity and cooperation among Buddhists, advancing moral, cultural, physical and social welfare of Buddhists and  promoting the interests of Buddhism.  

In order to enable the proper, effective and efficient operations of the Kelani YMBA in conformity with the collegial decision-making principle under the democratic principles, and following the contemporary developments in ICT fields, the Association adopted a new constitution on December 12, 2021 at a Special General Meeting.  
As per the provisions of the Kelani Young Men’s Buddhist Association Act, No. 19 of 1966, and the Constitution of the Association, there is a Board of Trustees for making decisions on the fixed assets and critical aspects involved with the long-term operations of the Association; and an Executive Council for making decisions on the operational matters. In order to enable the effective and efficient operation of the Association, the Organizational Structure of the Association consists of  specialized organs for financial, administrative and disciplinary matters, and for each operational area including Elders’ Homes, Buildings and Real Estates, Social and Welfare Services, Library and Cultural Activities, Religious Activities, Dhamma Schools, and Services to Members of the Association. 
The Kelani YMBA has been carrying out activities for social and cultural development as per its objectives with the assistance of a broad institutional network including the Social Services Department of the Government, religious and other social organisations and donor communities in the area.  

The Association has been operating three Elders’ Homes (at Udupila, Weboda, and Imbulgoda) with the support of the donors. Religious programmes including the Full Moon Poya day programmes are conducted to enhance knowledge on Buddhism, moral and ethical values of the people in the area. Periodic programmes are conducted on critical social issues to minimise adversities. In order to enhance the contemporary knowledge of the people in the area, the Kelani YMBA operates a modernized Public Library with the operational assistance of the University of Kelaniya. 

In the process of Celebrating the 66th Anniversary in August 2024, 

The Kelani Young Men’s Buddhist Association will conduct programmes to assist poor families, pregnant women and provide vision-care services for the needy and  a blood donation campaign to mark the 66th anniversary.

(The writer is the former  President of the Kelani Young Men’s Buddhist Association )