[Buddhist Spectrum]
Quintessential example of holy life
With the silhouettes of dusk appearing in the sky, the Sunday 21st December marked the end of an era with the cremation of a prominent Galle English educationalist from China Gardens - who bestrode like a mighty colossus for well over six decades in the Butterfly grounds premises amidst of a distinguished gathering.
Ven. Mampe Wimalakitti Thero the Chief Incumbent of Sangaramaya China Gardens was a strict disciplinarian- his forte was providing English education to children specially for the lower middle class and the middle class family for a paltry sum that led the generations to generation in Galle to lead a new life that stood on their feet.
Mampe Wimalakitti Nayaka Thero was a synonymous name with Galle, he was popularly alluded as 'Sangaramaye Re Iskole Hamuduruwo' i.e. Monk of the Night School Sangaramaya was a perfectionist Thera who is to mould his students in his own way; with his stint of corporeal punishment.
Mampe Wimalakitti Thero trail the blaze by launching his pioneering daily evening and night schools from 6.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. in 1953 before he functioned as the Chief Incumbent of Sangaramaya in 1955, taught the school curriculum in English for the Sinhalese stream line school children in an era where English was scoffed and Sinhalese Medium was dominated in common schools; which infused a new lease of life to the common folks of Galle. Sangaramaya Temple was also known for his Damma School on Sundays named 'Balartha Sadaka Dham Pasala'.
Death took its toll on the erudite Wimalakitti Nayake Thero at the ripe old age of 85. Fever of life is over for him. Cruel ironies of fate have snatched away this leading educationalist of par excellence in the most unexpected moment. His contribution indeed would be a page in the history of Galle. He rendered yeoman services to the Galleans and those from suburbs and led the inhabitants not only from China Gardens and all those based in Galle as law abiding peaceful citizenry. Ven. Sir, you are indeed an exemplary icon of Galle. You undoubtedly rank 'dulabbo purisa gnano gnaso sabbatu jayatu' - such monks (men) are rare; rarely are they born.
May you attain the supreme Bliss of Nirvana !
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