On 7th April 2024, the Maryland Buddhist Vihara hosted an event to celebrate the 70th birth anniversary of Ven. Katugastota Uparatana Thero, Chief Judicial Sangha Nayake of North America and Chief Prelate of the Maryland Buddhist Vihara. The event took place at the premises of the temple and included the performance of Buddha Pooja and dana for 70 which comprised Maha Sangha representing different states in the US as well as Buddhist male and female devotees.
Ambassador Mahinda Samarasinghe, during his speech, acknowledged Ven. Uparatana's remarkable social service and extended his good wishes on behalf of the Sri Lankan community and the government of Sri Lanka. The Ambassador highlighted how Ven. Uparatana played a vital role in enlightening many Buddhist Americans and other communities while being actively involved in missionary work internationally, thereby extending his spiritual guidance to a wider audience. A book titled "Uparatana Thero" was launched to mark this significant milestone in the Venerable Thero's inspirational life, and it was officially presented to the attending Maha Sangha, the Ambassador, and devotees.
Ven. Uparatana took his first ordination as a Buddhist monk in 1966 and holds degrees from the University of Kelaniya and the University of the District of Columbia. In 1989, he became the Buddhist Chaplain of the American University, a position he still holds today. Ven. Uparatana has also established two temples in the State of Texas - the Austin Buddhist Vihara in Pflugerville and the Austin Buddhist Center in Delvalley. In 2003, the Kandy Malwatta Chapter recognized his service to Buddhists in the United States by conferring upon him the title of Chief Judiciary Monk of the United States. Currently, he serves as a Committee Member of the International Buddhist Committee of Washington, DC. Additionally, Ven. Uparatana teaches Sinhalese language and culture to U.S. diplomats at the Foreign Service Institute.
In recognition of his religious and social services in the United States of America and to its people, Katugastota Uparathana was awarded the 2022 'Lifetime Achievement Award' by Joe Biden, President of the United States of America.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Washington D.C.
08th April 2024
