Balangoda Ananda Maitreya Thero

Balangoda Ananda Maitreya Thero was a Sri Lankan scholar Buddhist monk. He was highly respected by Sri Lankan Buddhists, who believe that he achieved a higher level of spiritual development through meditation. Sri Lankan Buddhists also considered Balangoda Ananda Maitreya Thero as a Bodhisattva, who will attain Buddhahood in a future life. Balangoda Ananda Maitreya Thero lived a modest life and did a great service for the propagation of Buddhist philosophy. In recognition of his valuable service at the Sixth Buddhist council held in Burma, the Burmese government conferred on him the title Agga Mahapandita in 1956. Later in March 1997, the Burmese government conferred on Balangoda Ananda Maitreya Thero the highest Sangha title, Abhidhaja Maharatthaguru , which is equivalent to Sangharaja, in honor of his unique service to the Buddhist religion.

Balangoda Ananda Maitreya Thero was born onAugust 1896 in Kirindigala, Balangoda, to the family of N. A. Mathises Appuhamy and B. Heenmanike. His birth name was Punchi Mahattaya aka William. Because Punchi Mahattayas mother died when he wasdays old, he was brought up by his fathers brother and his wife. Punchi Mahattaya had his primary education at Kumara Vidyalaya, Balangoda.

Source: Wikipedia