The Historical Legacy and the Righteous Mission of the Youth

Centered around the historic Kelaniya sacred site, the Kiribathgoda Kelani Young Men's Buddhist Association (YMBA) was established in 1958 to foster the religious and spiritual awakening of the area. I first and foremost gratefully recall that the pioneering guidance and blessings of our Supreme Teachers, the Most Venerable Chief Prelates who resided in the Kelaniya area at that time, served as the primary strength in establishing this association.

The Foundation of the Past and the Responsibility of the Present
The mission fulfilled by this association throughout its long history, from then until now, is immense. What our Chief Prelates envisioned back then was:

Sustenance of the Dispensation: Creating a group of youth dedicated to the upliftment of the Buddha Sasana.

Buddhist Identity: Safeguarding Buddhist values in the Kiribathgoda and Kelaniya areas.

A Virtuous Society: Mobilizing the strength of the youth to produce disciplined citizens equipped with leadership qualities.

It is a great pleasure to see that the current membership has succeeded in carrying forward the meaningful light of the Dhamma kindled by our Chief Monks back then, without ever letting it fade away.

A Message to the Future Generation
It is the responsibility of all of you to remain unshaken in the face of various social challenges in the modern world, and to act upon the Buddhist values protected and handed down by our ancestors and Chief Monks. Even though the world changes rapidly with technological advancements, the noble objectives that existed when our association was founded in 1958 remain equally valid today.

While wishing the association the strength needed to further engage in its religious and social missions, I hereby bestow my leadership blessings upon the current board of officials and the membership.

May the blessings of the Noble Triple Gem be with you!

Aggamaha Pandita Venerable Kollupitiye Mahinda Sangharakkitha Nayaka Thera,
Senior Professor, Emeritus Former Chancellor – University of Kelaniya,
Chief Incumbent – Kitsirimewan Raja Maha Viharaya,
Chief Patron – Kiribathgoda Kelani Young Men's Buddhist Association.