ශ්‍රී ඥානෝද්‍ය දහම් පාසල

Welcome to Sri Gnanodya Daham School

Events Register

About

''The Baraneskanda Purana Viharaya '' is one of the fastest developing Theravada Buddhist temple in Kelaniya . It was found around 1930 and the Golden Era has begun on 16th of August 1975 with the dedication of venerable Kahatavillawatte palitha Thero and Nelumdeniye Siriwimala Thero. Now this Purana viharaya in hand with lot of spiritual and social services locally as well as globally. This forum is to bring you out the development process from this Viharaya to the community. Sri Ghanodhaya Dhamma School, located at Baraneskanda Purana Viharaya, has developed into an important centre of Dhamma education in the Kelaniya area. The school provides children with opportunities to learn Buddhist teachings, values, traditions, and principles that can guide them throughout their lives. Through Dhamma education, the Viharaya seeks to nurture a generation grounded in compassion, discipline, wisdom, and respect.

According to that Buddha Teachings, Baraneskanda Purana Viharaya in Kelaniya , Sri Lanka has established a process to develop, spiritual and local aspects of the community.
The current principal of Sri Gnanodya Dhamma School is Venerable Deniyaye Dammalankara Thero. Under his able guidance, students not only engage in academic activities but also participate in a variety of extracurricular activities to develop their skills in the fields of knowledge, organizational and management skills.

History

“Rooted in humble beginnings, we began a journey that would shape our story for years to come.”

The Buddha and His Teachings

The Buddha was an enlightened human being who discovered and taught the path leading to Nibbāna (Nirvana). His teachings provide a practical way of understanding the nature of life, suffering, its causes, and the path toward liberation. The principles taught by the Buddha are universal and can be studied and practiced by people of all backgrounds and religious traditions as a way of developing wisdom, compassion, discipline, and inner peace.

The Four Noble Truths

The Four Noble Truths form the foundation of the Buddha’s teaching. They provide a framework for understanding the problems and suffering experienced in everyday life.

First Noble Truth: Dukkha (The Truth of Suffering)

Dukkha refers to suffering, dissatisfaction, and the difficulties experienced in both our mental and physical lives. Understanding dukkha helps us recognize the realities of life.

Second Noble Truth: Samudaya (The Cause of Suffering)

Samudaya refers to the origin or cause of dukkha. The Buddha taught that Tanha (craving or thirst) is a fundamental cause of suffering, conditioned by Avijja (ignorance), Upadana (clinging), and other mental and physical factors.

Third Noble Truth: Nirodha (The Cessation of Suffering)

Nirodha refers to the cessation of dukkha. The Buddha taught that freedom from suffering is possible by understanding its causes and following the path that leads toward Nibbana.

Fourth Noble Truth: Magga (The Path to the End of Suffering)

Magga is the path leading to the cessation of dukkha. The Noble Eightfold Path provides the way to Nibbana through Right Understanding, Right Thought, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration.

Baraneskanda Purana Viharaya

According to the teachings of the Buddha, Baraneskanda Purana Viharaya in Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, has developed as a place dedicated to the spiritual and social well-being of the community. The Viharaya has served as a centre for Buddhist practice, learning, spiritual guidance, and community service, carrying the Buddha’s teachings into the lives of people locally and beyond.

Our Beginnings

Baraneskanda Purana Viharaya was established around 1930, marking the beginning of a journey rooted in the Buddha Dhamma and dedicated to serving the community.

From these humble beginnings, the Viharaya gradually developed into a place of spiritual learning, religious practice, education, and social service.

Dhamma Education for the Next Generation

An important part of the Viharaya’s mission is the education of children and young monks in the Buddha Dhamma. A number of young monks receive training in the teachings of the Buddha under the guidance of the Nayaka Theros, helping to preserve and continue the Dhamma for future generations.

2026 Dhamma Speech Competition

The 2026 Dhamma Speech Competition is an initiative to encourage young students to learn, understand, and confidently share the teachings of the Buddha. Through this competition, participants have the opportunity to develop their knowledge of the Dhamma, public speaking skills, confidence, and ability to express Buddhist values in their daily lives.

Baraneth Pidusiga Dan Pelahara

2026 Pindapatha Charikawa Baraneskanda Viharaya Kelaniya

The Baraneth Pidusiga Dan Pelahara 2026 Pindapatha Charikawa, organized by Baraneskanda Purana Viharaya, Kelaniya, is a sacred Buddhist tradition that brings together devotees and the community in an act of generosity and reverence. The procession provides an opportunity to offer alms to the venerable monks while promoting the values of dāna (generosity), sīla (virtue), and compassion, while preserving an important Buddhist cultural tradition for future generation