Chief Incumbent / Spiritual Leader
Rev Illukwaththe Dhammarathana
Rev Illukwaththe Dhammarathana, Karmacharya of Malwathu Maha Viharaya, Kandy, Chief Incumbent of Sri Wardhanaramaya, Walgowwagoda Temple and the Principal of Medhankara Dhamma School, Kandy, has received his Ordination and the Higher Ordination as a monk from Malwathu Maha Viharaya, Kandy, Sri Lanka. His great teachers are Rev Pandith Walgowwagoda Sri Medhankara Wimalabuddhi Maha Thera, Chief Secretary of the Malwathu Maha Vihara Chapter, and Rev Pallewela Devarakkitha Thero.
Reverend has completed advanced-level studies in BioScience and obtained a BSc (Hons) in Counselling Psychology from KIIT University, India, a Higher Diploma in Buddhist Counselling Psychology, a Diploma in Psychology and Counselling, and a Diploma in English from SIBA University, Sri Lanka.
He has spent several years in forest monasteries, studying Buddhism and practising Mindfulness and Insight Meditation at Wat Pochai in Thailand and Sri Lanka.
As Thero was a resident monk at Paramitha Buddhist Vihara in Melbourne from 2015 to 2019, he acquired adequate experience and knowledge about the needs and wants of the community, especially the younger generation.
To support the mental and physical well-being of the society, with the generous support of devotees, Rev Dhammarathana Thero established the Vipassana Buddhist Monastery in 2018 and provides necessary leadership and guidance for all activities carried out by the Monastery.
Venerable Aratumedille Dhammapala
Second Chief Incumbent, Vipassana Buddhist Monastery
Venerable Aratumedille Dhammapala’s spiritual journey began in his birthplace of Bibila, Sri Lanka, he is a highly qualified monk who bridges the gap between traditional Buddhist teachings and modern psychology. He received his Higher Ordination (Upasampada) at the historic Malwathu Mahaviharaya in Kandy. His monastic training was conducted under the guidance of his distinguished preceptors: the Venerable Kahattewela Chandajothi Maha Thera (Chief Prelate for the Kotmale region of the Malwathu Maha Vihara Chapter) and Venerable Indajothi Thero.
Venerable Dhammapala possesses a strong academic foundation. After completing his advanced monastic college examinations and G.C.E. Advanced Level studies in Buddhism, he pursued higher education in mental health. He holds a Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling degree. Additionally, he has completed a Higher Diploma in Psychology and Buddhist Psychology Counselling, a Diploma in Psychology and Counselling, and a Diploma in English from SIBA Campus (Sri Lanka International Buddhist Academy).
With extensive experience teaching Dhamma and meditation, Venerable Dhammapala has dedicated his life to supporting the mental and physical well-being of people and balancing their lives. With over a decade of leadership experience in the monastic community, he had the distinct privilege of serving as the Chief Monk at the Auckland Centre for Buddhist Learning in New Zealand for four years. Prior to his time in New Zealand, he dedicated himself to spiritual service in Sri Lanka, serving for five years as the second chief Monk at Shanthiyaramaya in Kerawalapitiya, and four years in the same capacity at Bodhirathanarama Buddhist Temple in Katunayake. He currently serves as the Second Chief Incumbent at the Vipassana Buddhist Monastery.
