The Sri Rohana Chapter has formed the Nikaya-Rakshaka Scholarly Lay Advisory Council with prominent appointments aimed at strengthening Buddhist unity and advancing religious and social objectives.
The Sri Rohana Chapter of the Siyam Maha Nikaya has established a new advisory body comprising lay members, with formal appointments made at a recent gathering in Maharagama. Dhammika Attygalle, a director of the Upali Group of Companies and chief administrator at the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya, has been appointed Chairman. Dr. Dulip Palihawadana, described as an engaged scholar in the Buddhist national movement, assumes the role of Secretary-General. Shantha Dissanayake was appointed Treasurer.
The Most Venerable Omare Kassapa Maha Nayaka Thera, who leads the Sri Rohana Chapter, outlined that the council's establishment responds to fragmentation concerns within the broader Buddhist community. He emphasized the need to develop consensus and cooperation among different Buddhist Nikayas and to establish a unified Buddhist perspective on matters affecting the faith. The Maha Nayaka Thera referenced the vision of the chapter's first leader, the late Most Venerable Kamburupitiye Wanarathana Maha Nayaka Thera, who had championed such cooperation when the chapter was formed.
The appointments highlight family legacies of Buddhist philanthropy and service. Attygalle descends from the late Upali Wijewardene, a noted Buddhist entrepreneur from the southern Ruhuna region, while Palihawadana traces his background to generations of religious and educational work in the Southern Province. Dissanayake is related to the late B.R. Dissanayake, known historically as the "Anathapindika of the South" for his Buddhist charitable contributions.
The council's executive committee includes veteran journalist Mohan Samaranayake, international political analyst Shenali Wadugé, retired judge L.K.N. Perera, and retired Brigadier Atula de Silva, among others. The formation reflects efforts to engage lay scholars and professionals in advancing the Buddha Sasana's continuity and broader religious objectives.
