Our resplendent island has been embellished with beautiful Buddhist temples, each with its unique history and surroundings. One of the lesser known religious centers is the spectacular Don Dines Library  and Meditation Center which is known by one name “Pniketha” (Pinketha means the field of merit).

“Pinketha” was founded in 2014 by Sasan Keerthi Sri N.H.Chandrapala and Mrs. Lalitha Chandrapala. Our founder setup this center on a three acre land caller Ambahamulla, Where Mr. N.H.Chandrapala and his sibling’s ancestral home existed, in memory of his parents late Mrs. K.P.Sesawathie and Mr.N.H.Don Dines.

Pinketha is situated in a quaint village in Yakkalamulla in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. The center is established on a hillock giving one a panoramic view overlooking the mist laden forests extending all the way to the Sinharaja rainforest . The center provides beautiful and peaceful environment conducive to religious activities. This center has been established with the objective of creating a modern Buddhist lifestyle for the Dhamma followers and to create awareness of the noble doctrine of the Buddha.

Our Vision :

To provide facilities for, and to foster the study and the propagation of the Buddha Dhamma.

Objective :

• To promulgate the noble doctrine of the Buddha.
• To contribute to the betterment of Buddhasasana.
• To promote the interests of Buddhist Spiritual and social development.
• To create and foster a spirit of understanding among all people for humanitarian needs.
• To facilities persons with disabilities.

Religious activities :

The center conducts monthly Dhamma sermons on every forth Saturday of the month covering various topics, with the participation of eminent Buddhist Monks’. A meditation program is conducted every month. 67 Dhamma Sermons have been conducted from its inception to the present day. The center has set at its aim rebuilding of interest in the propagation of Buddhism and its restoration to its right place. It sets out to do so by providing the center as a forum for delivering sermons and at the same time making reading materials available in its library and the reading room. The center is visited by the young and old.

A “Pindapatha program” (An almsgiving) was held in collaboration with the Divisional Secretariat of Yakkalamulla in 2016. The devotees were also taper on a pilgrimage to Anuradhapura with the assistance of well-wishers.

At the end of every religious program tea is offered to all participants. Several hundreds of men, women and children gather at the main hall to listen to Dhamma Sermons.

The Library :

The center maintains the library for the benefit of the members of the library as well as for non-members for reading and reference. The library consists of many books on Buddhism, thousands of books published by authors of national and international fame and weekend English and Sinhala newspapers are also made available for the members.

Pinketha Housing Project

Pinketha which is committed to boost the well being of the needy has donated ten brand new houses. The beneficiaries are chosen after a careful evaluation by the governing body.

The houses are constructed as per specifications given by the governing body. The houses consist of specious dormitories and newly constructed baths, toilets and a dining room. The center has a accomplished the target of completing its annual housing project for 2015-2019 on schedule. 

Social and Development activities.

Among the silent services rendered by “Pinketha” are providing development assistance to temples without facilities in the area and for the development of schools. The center ia renowned for carrying out projects for social welfare as awarding scholarships. To Sinhala Buddhist children facing economic difficulties. The center has engaged faithfully in several social and community care programs such as providing wheel chairs for the disabled and dry rations are also provided to destitute people in the area.

Our founder dedicated all his life and energy for the service of humanity. By his indomitable courage and determination he has achieved success in everything he ventured. As a result of the various projects carried out by his center people have been benefitted immensely. He ha been able to get one support of many of his friends and relatives too for the activities of the center. In 2016 the center commenced the conduct of English classes to assist those interested in improving their knowledge of English language. 

The founder and guiding light of “Pinketha” was bestowed with the honorary title of “Sasana Keerthi Sri” by Sri Kalyana Sanagri Maha Sangha Sabha of Shyamopali Maha Nikaya in appreciation of his outstanding services and incredible role and contribution towards propagation of the Buddha Dhamma.

Sumana Vithanage,
Administration Secretary,
Pinketha Meditation Center & Don Dines Memorial Library.