Preserving Monastic Heritage: Samadhi Foundation Dedicates Historic Seema Malaka in Sri Lanka
- Jun 22
- 4 min read
We are overjoyed to share a milestone in our journey of spiritual preservation and community support. On Saturday, June 20, 2026, a sacred meritorious ceremony was held at the Historic Sapumalgaskada Raja Maha Vihara in Sri Lanka to officially dedicate a newly constructed Seema Malaka to the Maha Sangha.
This project was brought to fruition through a collaborative effort. The Uthsarpani Lanka Foundation served as our ground-level implementing partner to help oversee the construction. The primary personal funding contribution was generously provided by our President, Dr. Sasith Rajasooriya, who also personally overlooked every stage of the construction process to ensure its proper completion. His efforts were closely supported by the collective financial contributions of the members and donors of the Samadhi Foundation (USA).
The Resurgence of a Historic Sanctuary
The historic Sapumalgaskada Raja Maha Vihara is located in the Vavuniya District of Sri Lanka’s Northern Province. Believed to have been built during the latter part of the Anuradhapura era, this ancient holy ground was originally designed as a Pabbata Vihara, a traditional monastic complex.
Tragically, Chola invasions towards the end of the Anuradhapura period left this and many other sacred sites in ruins, entirely displacing the local population.
After centuries of neglect, this sacred site was painstakingly revived so that Buddhist devotees could once again worship. This revival was spearheaded by Most Venerable Galgamuwe Santabodhi Nayaka Thero, the Chief Sanghanayaka of the Northern Province for the Kalyaniwansa Chapter of the Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Nikaya. Starting under grueling conditions without proper shelter or adequate sustenance, the temple has been transformed today into a thriving Buddhist center in the Northern Province.
Today, the temple accommodates about twenty local and foreign monks who are training in Dhamma and Vinaya (monastic discipline) under the guidance of Most Ven. Galgamuwe Santabodhi Nayaka Thero and Venerable Piliyandala Amithaghosa Thero.
Building the Foundation of Monastic Discipline
A Poya Seema Malaka is an absolute necessity for any monastic center. It serves as the consecrated boundary where the Maha Sangha performs vital monastic rituals, including Poya Karma (confession rituals) and Upasampada (Higher Ordination).
"Vinayo nama Buddha Sasanassa ayu" “Discipline is the very lifeblood of the Buddha Sasana.” — The Samantapasadika
According to this sacred commentary, the longevity of the Buddha's dispensation relies entirely on the Maha Sangha adhering strictly to the Dhamma and Vinaya. Therefore, preserving this monastic heritage is a profound act of merit that ensures the long-term stability of the Buddha Sasana.
While the primary structure was initially estimated at LKR 4.9 million, the ultimate expenditure reached approximately LKR 12 million. This was due to vital infrastructure incorporated during development to ensure long-term sustainability and public utility. Working alongside the Uthsarpani Lanka Foundation, the project was thoughtfully expanded to include a solar power system, restroom facilities, landscape improvements, and essential site development. To ensure absolute transparency and strict compliance with monastic discipline, Dr. Sasith Rajasooriya maintained hands-on oversight over the entire construction process, ensuring every resource was managed with care.
A Day of Double Blessings: The Dedication and Higher Ordination
The ceremony unfolded in two sacred stages:
The Sanghika Offering: Following the offering of the midday alms to the Maha Sangha, the Poya Seema Malaka was officially offered and dedicated to the community of monks.
Upasampada Ceremony: Immediately following the dedication, the new Seema Malaka hosted the Higher Ordination of two novice monks into the community of monks.
The historic event was graced by the presence of nearly sixty venerable monks, including Most Venerable Tapowane Niwatha Nayaka Thero (Anu Nayaka of the Kalyaniwansa Chapter) and Most Venerable Muwaetagama Ananda Nayaka Thero (Chief Sanghanayaka of the Northern Province for the Malwathu Chapter of the Siam Nikaya).
Highlights from the Sacred Ceremony
A Gathering of Devoted Hearts
The event saw a meaningful turnout of pious lay devotees from the Weli Oya and Bogaswewa areas, alongside representatives from our implementing partner, the Uthsarpani Lanka Foundation, led by Chairman Vajira Wijesinghe. Numerous members of civil national organizations and local security forces also volunteered their time and support. We are deeply grateful to everyone who traveled to witness and support this historic day.
Our Mission, Aspirations, and Blessings
At the Samadhi Foundation, our mission is to provide humanitarian aid and spiritual support to communities worldwide. Guided by the Buddhist principles of compassion and wisdom, we believe that safeguarding spiritual sanctuaries like the Sapumalgaskada Raja Maha Vihara is vital to fostering long-term well-being and creating a meaningful, lasting impact for those we serve.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the Most Venerable Maha Sangha for providing the spiritual shelter and wisdom that guided this project from conception to completion. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the Uthsarpani Lanka Foundation , our global community of donors, and the local volunteers who serve alongside us with dignity and integrity.
May the blessings of the Noble Triple Gem grant good health, longevity, and peace of mind to the venerable monks who graced this occasion, to our generous global supporters, and to the local villagers who came together in unity. May the protective blessings of righteous deities be upon everyone, and may our collective efforts continue to bring light, wisdom, and compassion to the world.
Sadu! Sadu! Sadu!
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