The Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple will hold a second-year commemoration on August 2, 2026, honoring the late Most Venerable Galboda Siri Gnanissara Thero, commonly known as Podi Hamuduruwo, through a scholarship program that continues his work in rural education.
The late Most Venerable Galboda Siri Gnanissara Thero, widely respected as Podi Hamuduruwo, dedicated his life to serving Buddhist communities and providing social support across Sri Lanka. During his years leading the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo, he transformed the institution into a hub for worship, counseling, and community assistance that welcomed people from all social backgrounds. His efforts extended across multiple areas including Buddhist education, youth development, and family welfare programs.
Podi Hamuduruwo held education as central to his mission, recognizing that talented children in rural areas frequently abandoned their studies due to financial constraints. He believed that supporting these students represented one of the most valuable contributions to national development. To this end, he established networks of monks, devotees, professionals, and government institutions to implement his vision of making quality education accessible to underprivileged youth.
The commemoration scheduled for August 2, 2026, will showcase the enduring impact of his work through the Galboda Siri Gnanissara Memorial Scholarship Trust Fund, known as 'Nena Isura'. Currently supporting over 420 students from rural and disadvantaged areas across Sri Lanka who have passed the Grade Five Scholarship Examination, the program assists them through their advanced level studies. Recipients hail from regions including Monaragala, Kirinda, and Kalutara, with additional support reserved for families connected to defence and police welfare units.
The day's events will feature educational activities for scholarship recipients and their parents, including museum visits and university lectures on education's transformative potential. A formal awards ceremony at Temple Trees from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., held under Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya's patronage, will present scholarships to newly selected students. International dignitaries, government officials, and invited guests are expected to attend, underscoring the program's national significance.
