Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery is a place for everyone, regardless of background or experience, to learn and practice the ancient teachings of the Buddha. You will discover a like-minded community of people who are interested in finding happiness that is not based on endless consuming and accumulating more and more things. By learning and practicing the teachings of the Buddha, you will gain a peace and happiness that is not tied to the ups and downs of ordinary life.

Mahamevnawa, meaning “Great Cloud Monastery,” was the name of the first monastery established in Sri Lanka and the place where Arahant Mahinda Thero first introduced the Buddha’s teachings to the island.

The monestery is led by monks ordained and trained in the oldest tradition of Buddhism,  Theravada. Through their guidance we are able to provide many opportunities for you to learn all of the Buddha’s teachings of mindfulness, meditation, morality, and generosity. We have several Dhamma programs as well as other chances to learn the teachings.

Mahamevanawa Buddhist Monastery was established to benefit the spiritual development of human beings through the teachings of Buddha. Founded in 1999 in Sri Lanka by Ven. Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thero, its sole purpose is to spread the original teachings of the Buddha. The monastery is a warm and welcoming place for everyone to investigate true happiness through Dhamma and meditation.

Here the Buddha’s teachings are presented in modern language that is easy to understand. What makes Mahanevnawa unique is the effort to bring the Supreme Dhamma to listeners in its original form. Because of this, both young and old listen to the Dhamma and practice virtue, concentration, mindfulness and wisdom to realize the Four Noble Truths revealed by the Supreme Buddha. Presently there are more than 650 monks, more than 100 Anagarika nuns, and thousands of lay disciples practicing Dhamma at Mahamevnawa Monasteries around the world. Currently there are more than 70 Sri Lankan and international branches including in Canada, United States, England, Australia, Germany, Italy, France, Ireland, South Korea and India.

Learn more about our monasteries in Sri Lanka and overseas branches.

Mahamevnawa Monastery is spreading the amazing word of the Supreme Buddha through Sri Lanka and the world through following sources:

• Majority of programs focus the spiritual development of Sri Lankan community throughout the world.
• The founder of Mahamevnawa monastery, Ven. Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thero has translated the Sutta pitaka from pali language to simple Sinhalese language.
• The Thero has written more than 80 Dhamma books based on the original teachings of the Buddha.
• More than 100 books have been published based on the Thero’s Dhamma talks.
• Many CDs and DVDs containing the word of the Buddha are available for people.
• Some of the books have already been translated into English language.
• English medium website and Sinhalese medium website are also the great recourses for you to study the Buddha’s teaching.
• Shraddha TV, the official TV channel of Mahamevnawa monastery spreads the Dhamma to each corner of the Island along with English Youtube channel Buddhism in English.
• Mahamegha magazine, the official magazine of Mahamevnawa monasrey reaches people every month as a true kalyanamitta (spiritual friend.)

We have implemented many community aid events with the support of local and international devotees and donations.
People benefit the programs such as:

• Blood donation campaigns.
• Freeing animals that were destined to be killed.
• Aid programs for victims of natural disasters.
• Free medical and channel services.
• Donating Dhamma books for temples, schools, libraries etc.
• Education Scholarships for students.
• Health improvement projects.
• Donating water filtering and treatment machines to reduce the kidney related diseases.