Spiritual Advisors
Ven. Datuk Dr. K. Sri Dhammaratana Nayaka Maha Thera
(Since 2009)
Ven. K. Sri Dhammaratana Nayaka Maha Thera arrived from Sri Lanka in 1980 and was appointed Principal of BISDS in 1988. After serving for a year, he left for the USA. In 1994, he resumed the position and continued until 2008. In January 2009, he handed over the helm to Ven. K. Siridhamma Thera to focus on his responsibilities as Chief High Priest.
During his tenure as Principal, Venerable tirelessly propagated the Dhamma. In 1995, with his blessing, Mandarin adult Dhamma classes began. He also founded BISDS Youths, whose members carried out numerous projects and actively collaborated with other Buddhist organisations. Under his leadership, BISDS became one of Malaysia’s leading Buddhist education centre. Student numbers surpassed 1,000, and the school moved into the newly built Wisma Dharma Cakra.
In 2009, Venerable became the Spiritual Advisor of BISDS—a position he still holds— continuing to mentor Principals and teachers. Today, BISDS is professionally managed and equipped with modern teaching facilities and air-conditioned classrooms.
Venerable is also the founder and Spiritual Adviser of the Ti-Ratana Welfare Society, established in 1994 to serve the underprivileged regardless of race or religion across the country. On 4th April 2024, Venerable was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the Buddhist and Pali University in Sri Lanka. He continues to selflessly serve the Vihara, BISDS, and the wider Buddhist community.
The Late Ven. Dr. K. Sri Dhammananda Nayaka Maha Thera
(1952 to Aug 2006)
Ven. Dr. K. Sri Dhammananda arrived from Sri Lanka in 1952 to serve at the Brickfields Buddhist Temple. His clear Dhamma teachings in English attracted a diverse following and expanded the Temple’s reach. Deeply committed to Dhammaduta work, he played a pivotal role in promoting Buddhist education, establishing societies, and advancing missionary activities across Malaysia.
The Sunday School at the Temple initially served the Sinhalese children, with lessons in Buddhism and Sinhala language. Venerable transformed it by introducing Dhamma classes in English, attracting Chinese and Indian students. This shift led to rapid growth, turning the School into a vibrant, multi-ethnic Buddhist education centre.
As School Advisor, he was a vital mentor to Principals and teachers—always ready to guide and uplift. He played a key role in teacher development and inspired many through his wisdom, compassion, and dedication. Under his guidance, BISDS grew significantly, surpassing 1,000 students by 2008 and relocating to Wisma Dharma Cakra. Many alumni later formed Buddhist societies across Malaysia.
Over 56 years of tireless service, Venerable guided the transformation of the Brickfields Temple into the Buddhist Maha Vihara—a hub of Dhammaduta activity and BISDS into one of the leading Buddhist educational centres. Venerable passed away on 31st August 2008, remembered as a living Dhammaduta, a pillar of wisdom, compassion and dedication.