Dhamma School

The Pelena Siri Vajiragnana Dhamma School was established on Sunday, 4th July 1940. The first Principal was the Venerable Pelena Pannananda Thero, who served in this position for 14 years. Due to ill health, the responsibility of the Principalship was then handed over to Vaidyacharya (Ayurvedic Physician)W.P.B. Gunaratna.

He served as Principal for 40 years and dedicated his life to the development of the Dhamma School. In his later years, due to advanced age, the position was transferred on 27th January 1991 to the Venerable Pelwehera Suseema Thero.

From 1991 to 2022, Venerable Pelwehera Suseema Thero served as Principal of the Dhamma School. During his tenure, he played a major role in the development of the Dhamma School by providing essential facilities such as buildings, desks, and benches. Together with a strong teaching staff, the Dhamma School provided Buddhist education to a large number of students and implemented various educational programmes, becoming one of the leading Dhamma Schools in the Weligama Buddhist Protection Council area.

Following this, Mr. P.P.G. Ravindra served as the principal from 2023 to 2024. Since 2025, the position of Principal has been held by Ven. Rajawaka Dhammathilaka Thero, a graduate in Bachelor of Art (Hons) in Buddhist Philosophy and a diploma holder in Psychology and Counseling.

He is greatly supported in his duties by the Deputy Principal (Administration), Mr. P.P.G. Ravindra. The current Principal has introduced various modern programmes and initiatives, guiding the Dhamma School towards a new and progressive direction. He is also supported by the Deputy Principal (Development), Mrs. P.P.G. Iruka, along with the dedicated teaching staff.

Over the years, a large number of students who received their Dhamma education from this Dhamma School have gone on to hold respected positions in government and private institutions both in Sri Lanka and abroad, which remains a matter of great pride for our Dhamma School.