The pioneer of the “Young Buddhist Society” movement, founded in 1898 with Anagarika Dharmapala as the chairman, was Sir DB Jayathilaka who resided in Waragoda, Kelaniya.

The pioneers of the Kelani Young Buddhist Society, which was established in 1958 under the patronage of the Nayak Theros of the Kelaniya area, were our Nayak Theros who were living in the Kelani area at that time. The above two points were highlighted here to point out that Kelaniya is the birthplace of these cares. Kiribathgoda, Kelani Young Buddhist Society by 2024 is a happy thing to complete sixty-five years of maturing and gaining various experiences. Last year’s anniversary, prioritizing religious ceremonies, all-night sermons were held and donations were given the next day, and all the members of Paralo Sapat, including Adi Kathrun, were felicitated.

In the past sixty-five years, the Udupila Delgoda, Webada, Imbulgoda old age homes have been providing them with all facilities to care for and live in, providing educational scholarships to the sons of the area, conducting religious programs such as Seela Samadana, sermons and meditations on pohoya days, religious and moral activities in the society. , creating spiritual development, encouraging local residents to read and using modern technology to promote the library, etc.

The progress made today under the guidance of Dr. Makola Mangala Thero, Head of Pali and Buddhist Studies of Ruhunu University, Kiribathgoda Sri Sudarshanaramadhipa, Patron of the Society, should be appreciated. The light gained from the Kelani Young Buddhist Society’s awarding of fellowships to university professors is enormous. I see it as a great improvement to modernize the Samiti Library and employ the students of Kelani University to digitize it.

I sincerely hope that all the officers of this society will have the necessary strength and courage to carry on the religious and social service activities carried out by the society by successfully overcoming difficulties and obstacles for sixty-five years.