01
Since 2006
Buddhist Chief High Priest of Malaysia
Succeeding the late Ven. K. Sri Dhammananda · Re-affirmed 2012
Chief Sangha Nayaka of Malaysia · Since 2007
A Life in Dhamma & Welfare.
For over four decades the Most Venerable Datuk Dr. K. Sri Dhammaratana has served the Malaysian Buddhist community — succeeding the late Ven. K. Sri Dhammananda as Chief High Priest in 2006, founding the Ti-Ratana welfare and Buddhist movement, leading the RM 3.2 million 2004 Tsunami Relief, and today guiding eight community centres across Malaysia and Sri Lanka that care for more than 500 women, children, elders and vulnerable souls.
45+ Years
In Service of Malaysian Buddhism
8 Centres
Ti-Ratana · Malaysia & Sri Lanka
500+ Lives
Women, Children & Elders in Care
3.2M
RM Raised · 2004 Tsunami Relief
About Ven. Dhammaratana
A Life in Service of the Dhamma.
The Most Venerable Datuk Dr. Kirinde Sri Dhammaratana Nayaka Maha Thero is the Buddhist Chief High Priest and the Chief Sangha Nayaka of Malaysia — the senior-most Theravāda monastic authority in the country.
Born on 24 July 1948 in Kirinde, Matara, in the deep south of Sri Lanka, he received the saffron robe as a novice monk immediately after his secondary education at the Central College of Deiyandara, under the preceptorship of Ven. Kotawila Sri Deepananda Nayaka Thero, and completed his higher studies at the Parama Buddhist International University.
In 1980, at the personal invitation of the Most Venerable Dr. K. Sri Dhammananda, he took up residence at the Buddhist Maha Vihara in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur — the spiritual home of Theravāda Buddhism in Malaysia — where he would eventually succeed his mentor as Chief High Priest in 2006, be formally installed as Chief Sangha Nayaka of Malaysia by the Malwatta Chapter of the Siam Nikāya on 12 March 2007, and be re-affirmed in office in December 2012.
Alongside his monastic leadership he founded the Ti-Ratana Welfare Society on 9 February 1994 and the Ti-Ratana Buddhist Society in 2000 — a humanistic, non-sectarian movement that today operates eight community centres across Malaysia and Sri Lanka, three children\'s homes caring for over 250 children, two senior residences, a women\'s shelter and a network of mobile clinics — serving more than 500 lives regardless of race or religion. In 2004–2005 he led the RM 3.2 million Buddhist Maha Vihara Tsunami Relief Fund, which funded a new orphanage in Aceh, the rebuilding of Tagalle Hospital in Sri Lanka and the restoration of two Hindu temples in Kalmunai.
In November 2010 His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong conferred upon him the federal title of Datuk. On 4 April 2024 the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka conferred the Honorary Doctorate of Buddhist Philosophy in recognition of four decades of humanitarian service, spiritual leadership and interfaith advocacy.
- Based atWisma Ti-Ratana, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur
- Born24 July 1948 · Kirinde, Matara, Sri Lanka
- TraditionTheravāda · Siam Nikāya lineage
- LanguagesSinhala · English · Bahasa Malaysia · Pāli
- DoctorateBuddhist & Pali University of Sri Lanka · 4 April 2024
- Known forChief Sangha Nayaka · Founder of Ti-Ratana · Tsunami Relief Lead 2004
Ecclesiastical & Founding Roles
Positions of Trust.
A concurrent portfolio of ecclesiastical, founding and spiritual-advisory positions across Malaysia’s Theravāda community and the Ti-Ratana movement.
02
Appointed 12 March 2007
Chief Sangha Nayaka of Malaysia
Malwatta Chapter · Siam Nikāya, Sri Lanka
03
Since 1994
Founder & Spiritual Advisor
Ti-Ratana Welfare Society · Registered 9 February 1994
04
Since 2000
Founder
Ti-Ratana Buddhist Society (Humanistic Buddhism)
05
Since 2008
Spiritual Advisor
Buddhist Maha Vihara, Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur
06
1988 · 1994–2008 · Advisor ongoing
Principal & Advisor (BISDS)
Buddhist Institute Sunday Dhamma School · Buddhist Maha Vihara
07
Ongoing
Co-Chairman
Malaysian Inter-Faith Group (Buddhism · Christianity · Hinduism · Islam · Sikhism · Taoism · Baha'i)
08
Since 2017
Founder · Visionary
Ti-Ratana Community Centre, Sri Lanka
The Journey
From Kirinde to the Klang Valley.
Seven decades of saffron-robed service — from a southern Sri Lankan village to leading Malaysia’s Theravāda Saṅgha and its largest Buddhist welfare movement.
24 July 1948
Born in Kirinde, Matara, Sri Lanka
Second of five children of Basnayaka Mudiyanselage Siriwardena, an Ayurvedic physician, and Withanaarachchilage Dayawathie — raised in a devout Theravāda Buddhist family.
c. 1965
Ordained as a Novice Monk
Entered the Saṅgha under Ven. Kotawila Sri Deepananda Nayaka Thero immediately after completing secondary school at Central College of Deiyandara — a life commitment made at the threshold of adulthood.
1980
Invited to Malaysia by Ven. K. Sri Dhammananda
Travelled to Kuala Lumpur at the personal invitation of the Most Venerable Dr. K. Sri Dhammananda Maha Nayaka Thero and took up residence at the Buddhist Maha Vihara, Brickfields — the seat of Theravāda Buddhism in Malaysia.
1988–1989
Principal · Sunday Dhamma School (BISDS)
Led the Buddhist Institute Sunday Dhamma School for a year before departing for a period of study in the United States.
9 February 1994
Founded the Ti-Ratana Welfare Society
Registered as Reg. No. 1811/94 (PPM-001-14-09021994) on his return from the United States — establishing the welfare arm that would grow to shelter women, children, the elderly and the disabled across Malaysia.
1994–2008
Returned as Principal · BISDS
Resumed leadership of the Buddhist Institute Sunday Dhamma School for fourteen years — shaping the curriculum that forms the foundation of lay Buddhist education in Malaysia.
21 June 1997
Ti-Ratana Children's Home officially opened
Inaugurated by YB Datuk Paduka Hajjah Zaleha bte Ismail, Minister of National Unity & Social Welfare — the first of three children's homes that today care for more than 250 children.
2000
Founded the Ti-Ratana Buddhist Society
Extended Ti-Ratana into a non-sectarian Humanistic Buddhist movement drawing respectfully from Theravāda, Mahāyāna and Vajrayāna — the spiritual engine behind every Ti-Ratana community centre.
2004–2005
Led the Buddhist Maha Vihara Tsunami Relief Fund
Driving force of the RM 3.2 million relief appeal after the Indian Ocean Tsunami — funded a new orphanage in Aceh (Indonesia), the rebuilding of Tagalle Hospital in Sri Lanka and the restoration of two Hindu temples in Kalmunai.
2006
Appointed Buddhist Chief High Priest of Malaysia
Succeeded the late Most Venerable Dr. K. Sri Dhammananda Maha Nayaka Thero as spiritual head of Malaysia's Theravāda community — a role of national and regional stature.
12 March 2007
Appointed Chief Sangha Nayaka of Malaysia
Formally installed by the Malwatta Chapter of the Siam Nikāya in Kandy, Sri Lanka — the highest ecclesiastical recognition of his monastic authority abroad.
2008
Elevated to Spiritual Advisor · Buddhist Maha Vihara
Handed operational leadership of the Sunday Dhamma School to the next generation while assuming the long-view role of spiritual counsellor and chief patron.
April 2009
Ti-Ratana Penchala Community Centre opened
The Petaling Jaya centre — first envisioned in 2004 — was officially established, adding a flagship community, welfare and Dhamma-education platform to the Klang Valley network.
November 2010
Conferred the title Datuk
Honoured by His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for outstanding service to the Buddha Sāsana and to the welfare of the Malaysian nation.
3 December 2012
Re-affirmed as Chief High Priest
Formally retained as Buddhist Chief High Priest of Malaysia — reported by The Star under "Chief monk keeps post" — extending his national leadership mandate.
2017
Founded the Ti-Ratana Community Centre in Sri Lanka
Extended the Ti-Ratana vision to his homeland — the first overseas branch, serving communities and strengthening the bridge between the Malaysian and Sri Lankan Saṅghas.
12 January 2019
Ti-Ratana 21st Anniversary Celebration
Led the silver-jubilee commemoration of the Ti-Ratana movement — a milestone marking two decades of welfare service, three children's homes, two senior residences, a women's shelter and the mobile clinic network.
2020–2022
COVID-19 Welfare Response
Kept Ti-Ratana's mission steadfast through the pandemic despite severe financial pressure — sustaining care for more than 500 vulnerable residents across the Klang Valley and overseas.
2022
"Oneness & Love" Interfaith Address
Delivered a landmark interfaith speech at a Sikh community event in Petaling Jaya — a continuation of his co-chairmanship of the Malaysian Inter-Faith Group and his lifelong advocacy for religious harmony.
4 April 2024
Honorary Doctorate · Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka
Conferred an Honorary Doctorate of Buddhist Philosophy in recognition of four decades of humanitarian service, spiritual leadership and research-led advocacy of compassion across cultures and faiths.
21 May 2024
Led the National Wesak Day Celebrations
Presided over the 2024 Wesak Day programme at the Buddhist Maha Vihara — blood donation campaign, food distribution, flag-raising, Dhamma talks and a national meditation session.
April 2025
Formal recognition by the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM)
Officially acknowledged by the Royal Malaysian Police as "Ketua Tertinggi Sami Buddha Malaysia" on the occasion of the Police Day Buddhist prayer gathering — a rare civic recognition of monastic office.
12 May 2025
Wesak Day 2025
Present as Chief High Priest at the Buddhist Maha Vihara Wesak celebration — devotees queued throughout the day to receive his blessings and the sacred paritta string.
Education
Central College of Deiyandara
Secondary education in Matara, Sri Lanka, before entering monastic life immediately after graduation.
Novice Ordination under Ven. Kotawila Sri Deepananda Nayaka Thero
Received the saffron robe as a sāmaṇera under one of southern Sri Lanka's most respected Theravāda elders of the Siam Nikāya.
Parama Buddhist International University
Completed advanced Buddhist studies in Pāli canon, Vinaya and Dhamma pedagogy — the foundation for decades of teaching and monastic leadership.
Honorary Doctorate of Buddhist Philosophy
Conferred by the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka in recognition of four decades of contributions to humanitarian service, spiritual leadership and compassion-driven interfaith initiatives.
The Ti-Ratana Network
Seven Centres. One Sangha.
The Ti-Ratana movement is a living network of welfare homes, Buddhist community centres and a forest sanctuary — all founded or guided by Ven. Dhammaratana since 1994.
1994
Ti-Ratana Welfare Society
The founding charitable vehicle — shelters, homes and relief programmes for women in crisis, orphaned children, the elderly and persons with disabilities; more than 500 beneficiaries in active care.
2000
Ti-Ratana Buddhist Society — Humanistic Buddhism
A non-sectarian, tri-tradition Buddhist society promoting Theravāda, Mahāyāna and Vajrayāna under one humanistic roof — Dhamma education, mobile clinics, youth work, counselling and ritual services.
2004–05
Buddhist Maha Vihara Tsunami Relief Fund
RM 3.2 million raised under his leadership — funded a new orphanage in Aceh, the rebuilding of Tagalle Hospital in Sri Lanka and the restoration of two Hindu temples in Kalmunai.
HQ
Wisma Ti-Ratana, Bangsar
The national headquarters at 17 Lorong Maarof — a combined temple, welfare office, counselling and education centre in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.
2009
Ti-Ratana Penchala, Petaling Jaya
The flagship Klang Valley community centre — Dhamma programmes, Sunday schools, Meals-on-Wheels, mobile clinics, welfare outreach and flood-relief coordination with the Malaysian Red Crescent.
Centre
Ti-Ratana Puchong · Klang · Cheras · Kepong
Community centres serving the Klang Valley corridors — regular pujas, Dhamma talks, youth work, welfare programmes and multifaith cultural engagement.
Retreat
Ti-Ratana Sanctuary, Bentong
A forest sanctuary in Pahang offering retreats, meditation intensives and a quiet refuge for monastics and lay devotees alike.
2017
Ti-Ratana Community Centre · Sri Lanka
The overseas branch in Sri Lanka — extending the Ti-Ratana vision back to the founder's homeland, bridging the Malaysian and Sri Lankan Saṅghas and serving local communities.
Homes
Three Children's Homes · 250+ Children
The first officially opened 21 June 1997 by Minister YB Datuk Paduka Hajjah Zaleha bte Ismail; today three homes care for more than 250 children regardless of race or religion.
Care
Two Senior Residences & Women's Shelter
Around 50 residents in eldercare; a dedicated shelter for women in crisis; mobile rural clinics reaching communities outside the Klang Valley.
State & Ecclesiastical Honours
Honours of the State & the Sangha.
Malaysia
Datuk (Federal)
His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong — November 2010
Conferred for outstanding services to the Buddha Sāsana and to the welfare of the Malaysian nation — one of the country's highest federal honours.
Sri Lanka
Chief Sangha Nayaka of Malaysia
Malwatta Chapter · Siam Nikāya, Kandy · 12 March 2007
The highest ecclesiastical appointment for a Sri Lankan-lineage monk serving overseas — formal recognition of his stewardship of the Malaysian Saṅgha.
Sri Lanka
Honorary Doctor of Buddhist Philosophy
Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka · 4 April 2024
Conferred in recognition of four decades of humanitarian service, spiritual leadership and research-led advocacy of compassion across cultures and faiths.
Honours & Recognitions
Recognitions of a Life of Service.
A ledger of ecclesiastical, national and international honours — including the federal title of Datuk and the appointment of Chief Sangha Nayaka of Malaysia by the Malwatta Chapter of the Siam Nikāya.
- 2025 Formal recognition · Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) "Ketua Tertinggi Sami Buddha Malaysia" · Police Day 2025 National
- 2024 Honorary Doctor of Buddhist Philosophy Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka · 4 April 2024 International
- 2012 Re-affirmed as Chief High Priest of Malaysia Reported by The Star · 3 December 2012 National
- 2010 Datuk (Federal) Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Malaysia National
- 2007 Chief Sangha Nayaka of Malaysia Malwatta Chapter · Siam Nikāya, Sri Lanka · 12 March 2007 International
- 2006 Buddhist Chief High Priest of Malaysia Malaysian Buddhist Saṅgha · Succession appointment National
- 2004 Led the RM 3.2M Tsunami Relief Fund Buddhist Maha Vihara · International tri-country deployment International
- 2000 Ti-Ratana recognised among Malaysia's largest NGOs Registered welfare and Buddhist society · Nationwide operations National
- 1997 Ti-Ratana Children's Home officially opened By Minister YB Datuk Paduka Hajjah Zaleha bte Ismail · 21 June 1997 National
- 1994 Founder — Ti-Ratana Welfare Society Reg. No. 1811/94 · PPM-001-14-09021994 National
- Ongoing Co-Chairmanship · Malaysian Inter-Faith Group Leaders of Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, Taoism, Baha'i Regional
- Ongoing Lifetime service to the Buddha Sāsana Recognised by Theravāda communities worldwide International
How the Sangha Serves
Where the Dhamma Meets the People.
Spiritual Guidance & Blessings
Dhamma talks, pujas, paritta chanting, sacred-string blessings and pastoral counsel — including the national Wesak Day leadership at Buddhist Maha Vihara.
Welfare & Social Care
Three children's homes (250+ children), two senior residences, a women's shelter, mobile rural clinics and disaster-relief coordination — over 500 lives in direct care.
Dhamma Education & Youth Work
The Buddhist Institute Sunday Dhamma School (BISDS), youth camps, meditation programmes, yoga and arts classes — the lay-Buddhist education pipeline across all eight Ti-Ratana centres.
Interfaith & Humanitarian Leadership
Co-Chairman of the Malaysian Inter-Faith Group; leader of the 2004 Tsunami Relief Fund; interfaith speaker across Buddhist, Sikh, Christian, Hindu, Islamic, Taoist and Baha'i platforms.
Frequently Asked
Quick Facts.
Concise answers to the questions most often asked about Ven. Dhammaratana, the Ti-Ratana movement, and how to engage with the Sangha.
Who is Venerable K. Sri Dhammaratana?
The Most Venerable Datuk Dr. Kirinde Sri Dhammaratana Nayaka Maha Thero is the Buddhist Chief High Priest and Chief Sangha Nayaka of Malaysia. Born in Kirinde, Matara, Sri Lanka on 24 July 1948, he has lived and served in Malaysia since 1980 and is the founder of the Ti-Ratana welfare and Buddhist movement. In 2024 he received an Honorary Doctorate of Buddhist Philosophy from the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka.
What is his current role?
Buddhist Chief High Priest of Malaysia (since 2006, re-affirmed 2012), Chief Sangha Nayaka of Malaysia (since 12 March 2007), Spiritual Advisor of the Buddhist Maha Vihara, Kuala Lumpur, founder and Spiritual Advisor of Ti-Ratana, and Co-Chairman of the Malaysian Inter-Faith Group.
What is Ti-Ratana and how large is it today?
Ti-Ratana is the welfare and Buddhist movement he founded on 9 February 1994. It operates eight community centres across Malaysia and Sri Lanka — including the Bangsar HQ, Petaling Jaya (Penchala), Puchong, Klang, Cheras, Kepong, the Bentong Sanctuary retreat and the Sri Lanka branch. Three children's homes shelter more than 250 children; two senior residences, a women's shelter and mobile rural clinics bring total direct care to over 500 people.
What is the Honorary Doctorate he received in 2024?
On 4 April 2024 the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka conferred upon him an Honorary Doctorate of Buddhist Philosophy — in recognition of four decades of humanitarian service, spiritual leadership, and compassion-driven initiatives bridging cultures and faiths.
What did he do during the 2004 Tsunami?
He was the driving force of the Buddhist Maha Vihara Tsunami Relief Fund, which raised RM 3.2 million and funded a new orphanage in Aceh (Indonesia), the rebuilding of Tagalle Hospital in Sri Lanka and the restoration of two Hindu temples in Kalmunai — a landmark of interreligious humanitarian action.
When did he arrive in Malaysia and why?
In 1980, at the personal invitation of the Most Venerable Dr. K. Sri Dhammananda Maha Nayaka Thero, he took up residence at the Buddhist Maha Vihara in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur — the seat of Theravāda Buddhism in the country and the platform from which he would eventually lead the national Saṅgha.
What honours has he received?
The federal title of Datuk (Yang di-Pertuan Agong, November 2010); Chief Sangha Nayaka of Malaysia (Malwatta Chapter of Siam Nikāya, 12 March 2007); Honorary Doctor of Buddhist Philosophy (Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka, 4 April 2024); and formal recognition by the Royal Malaysian Police in 2025.
How can I contact him or visit Ti-Ratana?
Through the Ti-Ratana headquarters at Wisma Ti-Ratana, 17 Lorong Maarof, 59000 Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur. WhatsApp: +60 18-366 9900 · Email: info@ti-ratana.org · Web: ti-ratana.org. Invitations for Dhamma talks, blessings, welfare collaboration and interfaith dialogue are all warmly received.
What is Humanistic Buddhism as Ti-Ratana practises it?
A non-sectarian approach drawing respectfully from Theravāda, Mahāyāna and Vajrayāna traditions — emphasising service to society, Dhamma education, welfare and interreligious harmony over sectarian boundary-keeping.
Get in Touch
Connect with the Sangha.
Invitations for Dhamma talks, pujas and blessings, welfare collaboration, interfaith dialogue and donor enquiries are all warmly received through the Ti-Ratana office.