About Our Temple

Historic Sankapala Vihara is situated in the Sabaragamu Province at Pallebedda within Kolonne Korale of Tambagamu Pattthu. This temple,adjoining Colombo – Kataragama highway was many historical events to talk about. It starts with the historical battle between king Dutugamunu and king Elara.After the victory the king Gamunu rewarded his ten commanders who helped him in his battle. One of thus rewarded hero was a brilliant archer and blower of conch shell known by the name of Pussa Deva. Thus it is believed that he was made to go to the top of mount Sanka Pala and blow his conch shell. The entire area where conch shell sound was heard was given to him as his reward. The area thus given was known as Palle beddha. Later Pussa Deva built present Sanka Pala temple in his land and donated it to Maha Sanga and entered Priesthood, and became an Arahat whose mausoleum is still found in the temple premises. Thus this temple has a history of over 2000 years.

Second historical reference connects this temple to the reign of King Rajadi Rajasinghe. By this time this temple was a deserted place and the king donated this place to a Buddhist monk called Korathota Dhammarama. This donation itself is an interesting story.

This priest had earned kings displeasure and therefore with the help of his guardian monk, Korathota Dhammarama thera wrote poetry called “Barasa Kavya” which is supposed to be a complicated but intelligent creation. Having studied this, the king was so happy and hence donated this temple together with the surrounding villages to Korathota thero. Accordingly this temple belongs to two eras; that of king Dutugamunu and king Ragadi Rajasinghe.

Poetic dhamma desana

Using the talent I have in reciting verses, I preach Damma as poetry and this is very much loved by the laity I am regularly called upon to conduct Poetic Damma and Buddhist discussions on T.V Lanka and FM radio channels such as Sirasa FM, Asuru FM, Siyatha FM.

Plans for future

I am planning to build a school with boarding facilities to give English education to Novice Monks studying in the monasteries of rural areas so that they can spread lord buddha’s message abroad. I have been donated a land for this purposes and I plan to commence construction work of the school soon. Presently I am involved in various social and religious activities for the betterment of the society and also work as the head Sankapala Buddhist Center.

Bestowing merits to kings of olden days

The main Objectives of this religious ceremony is to bestow merits to the kings of yester years who made a history by building mighty temples, and vast water reservoirs. Those who participated in building these massive Pagodas such as Ruwanweli Saya, Mirisawetiya and vast reservoirs such as Parakrama Samudraya and Minneriaya Wewa well deserve such offerings and blessings. The merits acquired by offering 3000 Sivuru (robes) to novice monks studying in monasteries in rural area will be bestowed to the kings and others of olden days.