Our Founder

Ven. Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thero

Venerable Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thero is the founder of the Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery. He entered the monastic life on 26 March 1979 at the age of 17, under the guidance of Venerable Dambagahawatte Sumedhankara Thero and Venerable Dikwelle Pannananda Thero at Seruwavila. Following his ordination, he pursued a traditional Buddhist education and later attended the University of Sri Jayawardenepura, Sri Lanka. Recognizing that his true aspirations could not be fulfilled within an academic setting, he chose to leave the university and dedicated himself to visiting meditation centres and hermitages in search of deeper spiritual realization.

ABOUT US

On the 29th of August 2015, coinciding with the Nikini Full Moon Day, the second Mahamevnawa Meditation Centre in the UK was inaugurated in St. Helens, Merseyside. Mahamevnawa Meditation Centre (Charity No. 1165899) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing opportunities for people to learn and practice the teachings of the Buddha, as preserved in the Theravada Buddhist scriptures. The lay community is guided by fully ordained monks (bhikkhus), and the centre warmly welcomes anyone interested in exploring and practicing these teachings.

About Mahamevnawa

Mahamevnawa is a community of monasteries dedicated to supporting the spiritual growth of people through the timeless teachings of the Buddha. Our heartfelt wish is to share guidance that helps purify the mind and opens the way to true peace and freedom in Nibbana—the ultimate liberation. Today, with more than 80 branch monasteries around the world, thousands of people come together to experience the joy of living a meaningful spiritual life. For over 20 years, we have been honored to serve with compassion and sincerity, walking alongside you on this journey of inner peace and wisdom.

WHAT IS BUDDHISM

Life inevitably brings challenges and suffering to everyone. Buddhism helps us understand this reality and shows the unique path to freedom from all suffering. The Buddha’s teachings, known as the Dhamma, are a complete and well-structured guide—with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Regardless of when one begins to practice, the Dhamma can be experienced and realized in this very life. It is something to be seen and verified for oneself. Just as a mirror reflects our image, the Dhamma allows us to clearly see and understand our own lives. One of its most remarkable qualities is that it meets each person according to their wisdom, opening the way to deeper understanding. This is why the Dhamma is both extraordinary and deeply treasured.