Venerable Pelwatte Dhammananda Thero

Venerable Pelwatte Dhammananda Thero is a Theravāda Buddhist monk originally from Sri Lanka and the founder and resident monk of the Bristol Buddhist Vihara. He entered the monastic life in 1989, receiving training in the ancient Buddhist tradition under the guidance of senior monks in Sri Lanka.

In 2004, he graduated from the University of Colombo with a Bachelor of Education degree, earning First Class Honours. Following his academic success, he worked for four years as a teacher at Lalith Athulathmudali College in Mount Lavinia, where he also served as Sectional Head for Advanced Level students and for Grades 6 to 8.

In pursuit of higher education, Venerable Dhammananda Thero later completed his Master of Philosophy (MPhil) at the University of South Wales in the United Kingdom.

He moved to the UK in 2010 and has since dedicated himself to the spiritual care and guidance of both Buddhist and non-Buddhist communities. He established the Bristol Buddhist Vihara as a peaceful space for Dhamma practice, meditation, and community service. He is also the founder of the Wales Buddhist Vihara and the Ireland Buddhist Meditation Center, helping to bring the Buddha’s teachings to wider audiences across the UK and Ireland.

Venerable Dhammananda Thero serves as a volunteer Buddhist chaplain for the NHS in Bristol and at the University of the West of England, and is an official member of the Bristol Multi-Faith Forum, contributing actively to interfaith understanding and cooperation.

With over three decades of monastic experience and a strong background in education, Venerable Dhammananda Thero is known for his compassionate teaching style, insightful Dhamma reflections, and commitment to cultivating mindfulness and inner peace. He warmly welcomes everyone—regardless of background or belief—to explore the path of wisdom, loving-kindness, and liberation.