Sri Sucharitadara Upasika Samiti

This is founded by Mahopasika Mrs.Fonseka in the year of 1906 who lived in the 'Sirikalgiri' house in Pamankada, Dutugemunu Street with the aim of improving the living conditions of the local people. This society has been actively contributing to the development of Pamankada Sri Maha Viharasthan since its inception.

At that time, when the Sinhala Buddhists were under British rule, she was inspired to remove the English-sounding names used by the people and use Sinhala names instead. When there is a conflict between two people or two groups, they are settled by her. She introduced courses in sewing and knitting to women and led a successful campaign to enrich the caste women of the family in every way, and she also started the Sri Sanghamitta Dhamma School in 1921, which is currently controlled by the temple. The Sila program of the temple has been maintained by Under the leadership of Chief Mahopasika Mrs.Fonseka.

After her death, the leadership of the upasika society was given to her eldest son Dr. W. E Fonseka. He has also held the position of the inaugural secretary of the World Buddhist Federation, who has carried out a wide campaign against animal cruelty and especially cow slaughter.

He strated the infirmary service of the Colombo Hospital and appointed Vipassi Thero, a resident of Vajirama was to and to supervise its activities, and the result of bringing comfort to the needy patients all over Sri Lanka is a reflection of the bosat qualities that existed him.

He provided free medical treatment to all the monks from all over the world. The 'Sri Sanghamitta Girls' Home', which was started with the aim of socializing girls who lost their parents and lacked parental care, has now been included in the category of the best children's homes in the Western Provincial Council. Also, Sri Sanghamitta Vidyala, which was started for the children in the home and with the aim of improving the education of the children in the area, existed for about 60 years, and now it is closed. Sri Sanghamitta Dhamma School is currently being run in that building at a very active level.

The sudden death of Mr Dr. Fonseka due to a heart attack was an event that shocked the entire country, and after that the Upasika Samiti was led by her beloved wife, Mrs. Indrani Fonseka. Despite losing her legs due to diabetes in her last years, she traveled in a wheelchair for the upasika samiti's welfare.
After her death, Mr. Mano Ranjan Wijebahu , who was the precious son of the couple, gave leadership to the Sucharitadhar Upasika Samiti, and he made great sacrifices to continue the old custom that has been maintained since then. New light has been given to the Upasika Samiti and Sri Sanghamitta Girls' Home by renovating the old buildings and constructing new buildings to suit the present. Apart from that, the hospitality service which is being done at the center of the Maharagama Apeksha Hospital in memory of Dr. Fonseka and Professor Kotagama Vachissara Maha Nayaka Thero is carried out with great enthusiasm every year, and on February 04 National Independence Day, pregnant mothers are invited and given the necessary equipment since for many years.

He has held the position of Vice President of the World Buddhist Federation and has also held the position of inaugural President of the Bank of Ceylon Retired Employees Association. He also works as the Deputy President of the Rotary Club and is also an early member of the All Ceylon Buddhist Federation. Mr. Wijebahu is the Vice-Principal of Sri Sanghamitta Dhamma School, who takes the lead in all religious and membership activities at Pamankada Sri Maha Viharasthan.

Current officers in Sri Sucharitadara Upasika Samiti

Manager - Mr. Mano Ranjan Wijebahu
Chairperson - Mrs. Damita Perera
Secretary - Mrs. Kamini Wijebahu
Treasurer - Mrs. Vajira Nilmini Perera