Ven. Datuk Dr. Kirinde Sri Dhammaratana Nayaka Maha Thera

(03/01/2009 - Present)

Ven. Datuk Dr. K. Sri Dhammaratana Nayaka Maha Thera first visited the Buddhist Vihara, Brickfields, in 1980 and was appointed Principal of BISDS in 1988. After serving as Principal for a year, he left for the USA. He resumed the role in 1994 and served until 2008, when he became the Spiritual Advisor to the school, a position he still holds.

During his tenure as Principal, he prioritized Buddhist education and, in 1995, helped establish a Mandarin-language Dhamma class for adults, which received an overwhelming response. His leadership saw BISDS grow to over 1,000 students. Known for his wisdom and compassion, he became highly respected and sought after by parents and students.

Beyond BISDS and Buddhist Maha Vihara, he has been actively involved in welfare projects through the Ti-Ratana Welfare Society and has played a key role in spreading the welfare activities across the country. On 4th April 2024, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the Buddhist and Pali University in Sri Lanka. Venerable continues to guide the school in his position as the Spiritual Advisor.

Late Ven. Dr. K. Sri Dhammananda Nayaka Thera, J.S.M.

(1952 – 31/08/2006)

Ven. Dr. K. Sri Dhammananda came from Sri Lanka in 1952 to take up position as a resident monk in the Brickfields Vihara on the invitation of the Sasana Abhiwurhdi Wardhana Society. It was then the intention of the Sasana Abhiwurdhi Wardhana Society to bring in a monk to the Vihara to administer to the religious needs of the Sinhala Community. Ven. Dr. K. Sri Dhammananda however, had his own vision and his arrival marked a new milestone in the history of Buddhist missionary work in the country.

Ven. K. Sri Dhammananda immediately went about his Buddhist missionary activities. Being a Dhamma teacher of great patience and wisdom, the Venerable was able to captivate the minds of his listeners with his clear, simple and scientific exposition of the Dhamma. His sermons which were eloquently delivered in English attracted English-educated Buddhists of other ethnic origins to the Vihara.

They began to take part in temple activities and sent their children to the BISDS in the Vihara. It was the beginning of the rapid expansion of the BISDS. The Venerable realizes that the future of Buddhism in Malaysia lies in the young and the educated. He takes a personal interest in the development of the BISDS having a hand in the training programmes for its staff members. His towering wisdom and compassion, coupled with his dedication to the cause of Dhamma, have been a source of great inspiration to BISDS staff members.

Besides, the Venerable was instrumental in encouraging Buddhist students at institutions of higher learning to establish Buddhist societies in their campuses. He has also organized special talks for campus students on Sunday mornings at the Vihara.

Ven. Dr. K. Sri Dhammananda Nayaka Thera has dedicated his life to teaching the Dhamma freely and indiscriminately to all Buddhists. He has travelled the length and breadth of the country to spread the Dhamma. Through his selfless service the Buddhist Maha Vihara has become the hub of Buddhist missionary activities in the country.