Anagarika Dharmapala is best known as a person who did much for the development of Buddhism and the cultural renaissance of Sri Lanka. He was a Buddhist hero. He was born on September 17, 1864. His name was Don David Hewavitharana. His father was Don Carolis Hewavitharana. His mother was Mallika Hewavitharana. His village was Hittatiya, Matara.
He was educated at a Christian denominational school. But he liked to learn Sinhala, Pali and Buddhism. In 1894, he changed his name and was known as Anagarika Dharmapala. He was the founder of the Sinhala Bauddhaya Newspaper. In 1931, Anagarika Dharmapala was ordained as Sri Devamitta Dharmapala at Mulagandhakuti Vihara, India and passed away on July 29, 1933. He is one of the greatest national heroes in our country.
Gesandu Kusaljith Gunawardane,
Grade 5,
Guidance International Junior School,
Kesbewa.