Melbourne prelate completes 35 years of ordination

The Sakayamuni Sambuddha Vihara in Berwick, Melbourne provides religious guidance to over 3000 Sri Lankan Buddhists living in the neighbourhood while disseminating Dhamma through a well established Dhamma school, in which over 200 pupils are enrolled at present.

There is also a Buddhist youth group that meets once a month conducting discussions on the Dhamma and learn meditation practices. The graduates from the Dhamma school join the Youth Group to continue with their Buddhist education and spiritual development.

Ven Wimalananda Thera and the late Ven Soma Maha Thera

The temple has witnessed a progressive growth under the patronage of the chief incumbent Ven Digamadulle Wimalananda Thera.

At present the temple is one of the most active centres among the Sri Lankan Buddhists domiciled in Victoria. Following the guidance imparted by late Ven Soma Maha Thera, the Thera actively participates in the Victorian Buddhist Council, an umbrella organisation for all Buddhist traditions in Victoria. Ven Wimalananda Thera completes 35 years of higher ordination having entered the Sasana in January 1976.

He received his higher ordination in 1978 and studied the Dhamma under the tutelage of the Most Ven Madihe Pannaseeha Maha Nayake Thera and the Most Ven Ampitiye Rahula Maha Thera at the Siri Vajiragnana Bhikkhu Training Centre, Maharagama.

Source:http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2011/05/22/new41.asp