The Buddha Sasana has been enriched by the recent appointment of the Most Venerable Narampanawe Ananda Nayake Thero as the Anunayaka Thero of the Asgiriya Chapter of the Siyam Maha Nikaya in Sri Lanka. Notably, the Asgiriya Maha Pirivena stands as the first and only monastic institution in Sri Lanka to offer Pirivena education in the English medium—from foundational studies to the prestigious Panditha degree. This pioneering initiative has significantly broadened the accessibility and global reach of Buddhist education.

Most Venerable Narampanawe Ananda Nayake Thero was born on February 10, 1965, in the village of Narampanawe, and he commenced his primary education at Narampanawe Maha Vidyalaya. He entered the monastic order on January 25, 198. He pursued his early religious studies at the esteemed Asgiri Pirivena and Sri Sunethradevi Maha Pirivena. He received higher ordination (Upasampada) on June 6, 1986.Venerable Ananda Thero’s academic accomplishments are as notable as his spiritual contributions.

Shartse Khensur Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden, Secretary General of the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), sent a congratulatory letter to Most Venerable Narampanawe Ananda Nayake Thero, on his appointment as the Anunayaka Thero of the Asgiriya Chapter of the Siyam Maha Nikaya, Sri Lanka. Also, on behalf of IBC, Dr. Damenda Porage, Deputy Secretary General, made a courtesy visit to extend his respectful greetings and offer congratulations to Most Venerable Narampanawe Ananda Nayake Thero on his esteemed appointment.

A defining chapter in his service to the Sasana was his pivotal role in the revival of the Asgiriya Maha Pirivena. Demonstrating exceptional resolve, he chose to forego a probationary lectureship at the University of Kelaniya to focus on rebuilding this revered institution. Under his stewardship, the Pirivena has flourished over the past three decades, emerging as a premier center of monastic education for both Sri Lankan and international monks.Venerable Ananda Thero’s enduring contributions to monastic education, the safeguarding of Buddhist philosophy, and his extensive religious and social service reflect his profound commitment to the upliftment of the Buddha Sasana. His appointment as Anunayaka Thero is not only a personal milestone but a moment of great significance for the entire Buddhist community in Sri Lanka.