Thipitakacharya Ven. Kelaniye Ajitha Thera

Chief Incumbent of Amarawathiya Aranya Senasanaya, Danowita, Helagala, Warakapola

I met Dharmasiri De Silva for the first time at Sri Sam bod hi Maha Viharaya, Colombo 7. He is one of our great friends. I introduce him as a friend because the Budddha has preached that the Buddha Sasana existed in the past and will exist in the future on the support of real friends. We remember the great meritorious deeds he has performed. He is a lay representative of the Buddha Sasana. In fact he is a devout Buddhist and philanthropist. His services were not confined to one temple, meditation centre or Aranya Senasana. He equally supported temples in Colombo 7 and those located in villages. It is a great trait in Mr Dharmasiri De Silva’s life not to segregate Bhikkhus according to the areas they operate from.
He has helped well-known Bhikkhus who preach using the electronic media and others who live in rural areas hidden away from the print and electronic media. There are devout Buddhists who support the Buddha Sasana in many ways. He is one of them. He provides everything to Maha Sangha lavishly. Mr Dharmasiri De Silva has never hesitated to support any member of the Maha Sangha when a request is made to him for a donation or any other help. Sometimes he visits temples and comes to know of the needs of resident Bhikkhus. He has a great devotion to Buddhism and love for the nation. Such great feelings always urge him to indulge in any activity that would promote Buddhism and help the Maha Sangha who are the custodians of the religion.
Once, Ven Daranagama Kusaladhamma Thera organized a Vesak celebration. He also wanted to confer merit on national heroes. He held an exhibition of national heroes along R.G. Senanayake Mawatha, Colombo 7. It was attended by a large number of people. Dharmasiri De Silva erected the statue of Anagarika Dharmapala and publicized the work that had been done by him. The statue of Anagarika Dharmapala and the depiction of his work in the form of books and pamphlets went a long way to propagate Buddhism among the people who came to the exhibition. Until then most people did not know the extent of Anagarika Dharmapala’s services to Buddhism. Dharmasiri accumulated merit by his timely intervention.
Dharmasiri De Silva has built and donated many dharmasalas (Preaching Halls), dagabas, relic chambers, monasteries, and promenades for meditating Bhikkhus. Because of his meritorious deeds we have no hesitation to consider him as a modern-day Anepindu Sitano. If he had lived during Gauthama Buddha’s time, he would have been a high-ranking devotee. By now, his value as a devout Buddhist has been acknowleged by almost all the Maha Nayake Theras, Anunayake Theras, and Sanghanayakas. May his business flourish with the blessings of the Triple Gems! May gods and deities protect him all the time! May he live more than 100 years enjoying good physical and mental health! May the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha protect him and all living beings! May the Triple Gems shower blessings on all living beings.