RELIGIOUS ACTIVITES
Through out the years of its existence one of the main interests of the YMBA was religious activities and Buddhist education. This it set out to do by providing the YMBA as s forum for, Bana Preaching, Lectures, Religious discussions, Dhamma sermons, Meditations, Mal Pahan, Buddha Pujas, Dhamma Charika sermons, Sunday sermons, Meditation classes. Sela Bhawana. Bakthi gee and special Vesak programs. On Poya days ata sil is organised by the Association along with Dhamma Sermons. Sunday morning sermons are a regular feature and many people make it a point of attending them to listen to learned monks. Seela Bhawana programme is conducted on every full moon day commencing from 6.30a.m. to 6.30p.m. It includes Sermons, Dhamma Discussions, solving Dhamma problems, Buddhist Puja and devotions to the Triple Gem. Approximately about 300 people observe this programme on Full Moon days Ven. Monks regularly conducts Dhamma Sermons and Bhawana classes on all Sundays. Devotees from distant places attend this sermons and classes. For further information please contact;
Name of Branch Secretary : Mr. P.G.T. Perera
Branch Office Address : YMBA Headquarters, No. 70, D.S. Senanayake Mawatha, Col 8
Contact Telephone No. : Office: 2682398 Fax: 2682397 Residence: 2685854
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SOCIAL WELFARE ACTIVITIES From its inception the YMBA involved itself in helping the weaker sections of society and step in to do relief work during disasters or displaced persons such as floods, epidemics, displaced and victims of insurgent activity such as elders and children, the young unemployed and pilgrims
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GAMINI MATHA ELDERS HOME
Overlooking the picturesque Beire Lake situated in the heart of Colombo at Sir James Peiris Mawatha and is managed by the YMBA Colombo.
The Gamini Matha Elders Home was established in 1944, due to very generous donation by the late Mrs H.M. Gunasekera. In 1970 the organisation in charge requested the assistance of the YMBA to run it. This home is equipped with all the facilities required for elderly gentlemen to spend the evening of their lives in a religious atmosphere. Presently the home gives shelter to 50 Males who are over sixty years of age, which includes comfortable rooms, modern toilets, and a newly constructed ward for sick inmates in memory of the late Dr. D.J. Attigala a well known physician with funds provided by the Association. The YMBA ensures that the lives of the inmates are less monotonous by providing the home with radios, television sets, a library with daily news papers and indoor games. The elders are taken on pilgrimages and pleasure trips with the help of well wishes and philanthropists. Regular religious activities are organised to ensure the mental upkeep of the inmates. Occasionally, musical evening programmes are organized for entertainment of the elders.
Some of the inmates earn pocket money by making envelopes. Help Age of Sri Lanka has helped the home generously in many ways including financial assistance to maintain the buildings, and also facilitating eye operations for the elders free of charge.
The elders over 60 years, with the recommendation of their guardians are admitted as inmates. A Doctor should certify that they are free of chronic diseases and that they are without anyone to look after themselves. The inmates are provided with all meals, clothes, bedding and medicine. A Doctor regularly visits the inmates and treat those require attention.
The home is run entirely on donations received from the donors and well-wishers. The Home receives donations of dry rations, cooked food, clothing, medicines and gifts. The cost of meals for inmates is Rs. 2,000/= each for Breakfast and Dinner and Rs. 2,500/= for Lunch.
The Staff of the home consists of a Warden, One Laundry worker, two attendants and a cook.
Gamini Matha Home for the Elders won the second place in the Western Province, at the Elders Home Competition of the year 2005 conducted by the Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare of the Western Provincial Council.
Donations from Institutions and well wishes are accepted. For further information contact:
Name of Branch Secretary : Mr. Kusumabandu Samarawickrema
Branch Office Address : YMBA Headquarters, No. 70, D.S. Senanayake Mawatha, Col. 8 Contact Telephone Nos. : Office: 2682398 Fax: 2682397 Mobile 0777 331031
Name of Warden : Ms K. D. S. Malkanthi
Address : Gamini Matha Home for Elders, 177, Sir James Pieris Mawatha, Colombo 2 Contact Telephone Nos. : 2434792
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LAKSHMI LAMA NIVASA WALANA, KATUNAYAKE
This home is situated at Walanagoda on the Averiwatte Minuwangoda road. The land was purchased by the late Sir Earnest De Silva at his expense and donated to the society. On an appeal by the Lakshmi Lama Nivasa Buddhist Society the YMBA took over the administration of the home. The Association provides board, lodging, clothing educational and medical facilities for 45 destitute boys between the ages of 5 to 18. These children orphans, abandoned and helpless had been taken over Child Protection Society before admission to this home.
The children follow a daily routine by attending school and brought up in a Buddhist atmosphere. The children's home bears the examination fees and all other expenses of the inmates. Donations from institutions and well wishes are accepted. Name of Branch Secretary : Mr. Kusumabandu Samarawickrema
Branch Office Address : YMBA Headquarters, No. 70, D.S. Senanayake Mawatha, Col. 8
Contact Telephone Nos. : Office: 2682398 Fax: 2682397 Mobile 0777 331031
Name of Warden : Miss Nimali Ratnayake / Miss G. B. Surangani
Address : Lakshmi Home for Children, Walana, Katunayake
Contact Telephone Nos. : 2260220
 
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REPAIRS AND RENOVATIONS AT GAMINI MATHA HOME FOR ELDERS AND LAKSHMIE CHILDREN'S HOME
The Gamini Matha Home for the Elders and the Lakshmi Children's Home require extensive repairs and renovations urgently. The construction of a sick-room at Gamini Matha Home for Elders in memory of the late Dr. D.J. Attygalle a well known physician with funds provided by the Association. In addition proposed to construct a room for Disabled Elders with modern facilities and a large storeroom upstairs which would enable the present area used for storage to accommodate additional 25 inmates.
Construction of the sick room has already been initiated in June 2004. There is an urgent need from donors for materials such as cement, sand, bricks, floor and wall tiles, sanitary ware, electrical wire, fixtures and fittings to complete this project.
The electrical fittings and fixtures at the Lakshmi Children's Home are also over 50 years old and a hazard to the children. These electrical fittings and fixtures also require urgent replacement. our generous contributions towards these two projects would be very much appreciated. Further information could be obtained from Mr. Kusumabandu Samarawickrama on telephone Nos. 0777-331031 or 2434792
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CULTURAL ACTIVITIES Light of Asia Contest, Inter-schools Drama Competitions. Cultural activities have been part and parcel of the Associations programs. The Light of Asia' contest is conducted in English Language to improve the knowledge of English and Oratorical skills, were started in 1925 and was revived after an interruption during the war and is held continues to be held annually into the present time. It has attracted many talented students and even more encouraging is the fact that many students from the outstations also compete in this contest. A challenge trophy is awarded to the best judge school. The All Island Inter school Drama Contest based on Jataka Stories is held annually with the collaboration and guidance of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. The schools selected from the final contest are judged by officials of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and prizes distributed from the First place to the 10 th place. Name of Branch Secretary : Mr. Prasanna Goonetilleke
Branch Office Address : YMBA Headquarters, No, 70, D.S. Senanayake Mawatha , Col. 8
Contact Telephone Nos. : Office: 2507231 Fax: 2682397 Mobile : 0722-245385
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LITERARY ACTIVITIES Dhamma Examinations for Students and Teachers, Vipassana Bhawana classes, Abhidhamma classes, Visuddhimagga, Dhamma School .The Dhamma Examinations were first started in 1920 and around 10750 schools have been registered with the Association. The examination held is held island wide annually in association with the Buddhist Affairs Department for students of grade 5 to grade 9 onwards. The examination is conducted with the help of venerable monks officiating as Secretaries of Sasanarakshaka Mandalayas and chief examiners for evaluation of answer scripts. Certificates and prizes are awarded to the successful candidates. In addition the Dhamma examinations is conducted in English medium for both local and foreign candidates. Facilities are made available in foreign countries such as Singapore , Malaysia and United Kingdom .
Besides the Dhamma examinations the Association also conducts Pali, Dhamma, Abhidhamma examinations annually for both laity adults and clergy.
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LITERARY ACTIVITIES (SINHALA) Name of Branch Secretary : Mr. Kusumabandu Samarawickrema
Branch Office Address : YMBA Headquarters, No, 70, D.S. Senanayake Mawatha , Col. 8
Contact Telephone Nos. : Office: 2695786 Fax: 2682397
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LITERARY ACTIVITIES (ENGLISH)
Name of Branch Secretary : Mr. Chandana Kuruppu
Branch Office Address : YMBA Headquarters, No, 70, D.S. Senanayake Mawatha , Col. 8
Contact Telephone Nos. : Office: 2308095 Fax: 2682397 Residence: 2811760
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DHAMMA EXAMINATIONS Name of Branch Secretary : Mr. Nalin J. Abeysekera
Branch Office Address : YMBA Headquarters, No, 70, D.S. Senanayake Mawatha, col. 8
Contact Telephone Nos. : Office: 2695786 Fax: 2682397
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EDUCATIONAL COMMERCIAL SCHOOL YMBA BORELLA This institution was established in 1976 as a service to the children of low-income group of the area. It is registered under the Tertiary Education Department and is rendering valuable services. There are 5 courses attached to this institution. These courses are being conducted as a 1 year and 6 months courses The courses conducted are; English Shorthand and type writing, Sinhala short hand and type writing, English language, Accountancy and Book Keeping, Dress Making and Flower arrangement. Name of Branch Secretary : Mr. S.J. Munasinghe / Mr. Keerthi Nanayakkara
Branch Office Address : YMBA Headquarters, No, 70, D.S. Senanayake Mawatha , Col. 8
Contact Telephone Nos. : Office: 2331903 Fax: 2682397 Residence: 2589983
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VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE RAJAGIRIYA
The centre was the brainchild of the late Sir Cyril De Soysa and the institutions was declared open by Siri Perera Vice-President of YMBA in 1974 with an objective of giving young boys, mainly school drop outs from poor families a training in a vocation so that they will be able to get a job to be useful citizens to the country. Generous assistance was received from the Sri Lanka Canada Development Fund and NORAD towards the building and purchasing of equipment to the institute. A 2-year training course is given to the students. In the first year, students undergo theory and basic practical training in their trade and in the second year they are attached to private and government commercial establishments on the job practical training. At the end of the 2 years course the students sit for an examination conducted by the National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA). The successful candidates are awarded certificates.
It is to the credit of this institute that nearly 100% of the trainees that pass out, have obtained employment which fulfils our objective.
As most of the children are poor and are not residing close to the centre, a hostel facilities with meals were provided free of charge until year 2002. Assistance from National Industrial Training Authority (NAITA) was solicited for its development and we have received funds to purchase equipment from National Apprentice Board under the Vocational and Tertiary Education Commission.
Initially a grant was received from the Australian Government to purchase a Lathe and other machinery while assistance from many other sources was obtained to made the centre more viable. Annually, the centre trains about 75-80 students in carpentry, metal fitting, Lathe work, electrical wiring and motor mechanism. Until 2001, the centre conducted plumbing classes, which was quite popular but was closed in 2002 due to lack of trainees who do not request for the course.
Admission Qualifications - Since this institution was inaugurated to help the school drop outs, which are unable to do higher studies due to their inability to qualify as well as due to financial reasons, the minimum qualifications are to possess a Grade VIII Certificate. However, those who have got through Ordinary Level and Advanced Level also can enter the institution.
Admission – In addition to distribution of applications among the schools of the surrounding areas, at the latter half of the year, the YMBA publish advertisements calling for applications.
Training – Training is conducted according to a syllabus approved by NAITA, VITA and VTEE. The duration of training is 2 years. In the first year, the students follow the theory and practical classes in the institute and in the second year, they are allocated to Government, Semi-Government Departments and private sector factories in keeping with their trade for practical training. The trainees receive an up-keep allowance from the places where they are employed and majority of them are absorbed into the permanent technical staff off the institution where they are trained.
The National Apprentice and Technical Training Centre regularly supervise the training. At the end of two years training the trainees sit the examination conducted by the YMBA and NAITA. All successful trainees receive a certificate, which enables them to find employment in the technical field.
Donations from institutions and well wishes are accepted.
The courses conducted are;
Motor Mechanism - 20 students, Lathe and Metal Work- 16 students, Electrical Wiring and Carpentry- 06 students.
Name of Branch Secretary: Mr. P.B. Molligoda
Branch Office Address : YMBA Headquarters, 70, D.S. Senanayake Mawatha, Colombo 8
Contact Telephone Nos. : Office: 2301833 Fax: 2682397
Name of Principal : Mr. S. P. Peiris
Address : Vocational Training Institute, Sarana Mawatha, Rajagiriya
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VOCATIONAL TRAINING SCHOOL DIVULAPITIYA This institute was established in 1991 to improve the Vocational Training opportunities of rural children. Assistance was received from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sri Lanka Canada Development Fund to purchase modern equipment and tools to improve the quality of its training programme. No fees are levied from the students. Training courses for boys are of 2 years duration. During the 1 year, course the boys are provided with Theoretical and Practical knowledge and thereafter they are attached to recognised establishments to gain a practical training. For girls the duration is from 4 weeks to 1 year depending on the course. The boys and girls are selected for the courses through Newspaper advertisements. The institute has accommodation for the training of 250 students each year. Donations from institutions and well wishes are most welcome. The training programmes consist of the following courses. For boys - Motor Mechanism, Carpentry, Electrical Technology and Metal fitting. For girls - Operation of Industrial Sewing machines, Dress making and handy crafts Name of Branch Secretary: Mr. Mahesh E. Mallawaratchie
Branch Office Address : YMBA Headquarters, 70, D.S. Senanayake Mawatha, Colombo 8
Contact Telephone Nos. : Office: 2365253 Fax: 2682397 Mobile : 077-316935
Name of Principal : Mr. G.P. Jayasundera
Address : Vocational Training Institute Balagalle Watte, Divulapititya
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SPORTS YMBA BORELLA It consists of 2 tables and a long felt need to secure another billiard table by the President and members of the Board has been the most striking feature. At the same time the Board of Management has given a task to the membership to gear the section to play a more positive role in producing quality players The Billiard room is being patronised by its playing members. Membership can be obtained from the Branch Secretary. Name of Branch Secretary: Mr. Prema Pinnawela
Branch Office Address : YMBA Headquarters, 70, D.S. Senanayake Mawatha, Col 8
Contact Telephone Nos. : Office: 2682398 Fax: 2682397 Mobile : 0777-709698
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TRUST FUNDS There are several Trust Funds established through the Colombo YMBA. Most of these Trust Funds are for granting scholarships to undergraduates and students from low-income Buddhist families with a wider participation in rural and urban areas. Selection for awards of scholarships is made from various age groups covering grade 5, 10 and GCE O/L and A/L and University students or undergraduates from the fields of Medicine, Engineering, Law, Arts and Archaeology. Trust Funds are also established for the provisions of Heel Dana on Duruthu Poya each year, Daval Dana on Duruthu Poya each year, Heel Dana on Nawam Poya each year and Gilanpasa on Bak Poya each year and providing morning breakfast, noon meals and tea for Sil observers. YMBA owes a deep debt of gratitude to the donor philanthropists for the valuable contributions made towards the establishment of these Trust Funds. Any institution or individual that wishes to contribute for these Trust Funds can contact the Branch Secretary for further information. Name of Branch Secretary: Mr. M.D. Ariyaratne
Branch Office Address : YMBA Headquarters, 70, D.S. Senanayake Mawatha, Col 8
Contact Telephone Nos. : Office: 2911296 Fax: 2682397 Residence: 2828566
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OTHERS LIBRARY FACILITES The Library is well patronised. The reading room provides much reading material including the daily newspapers. It has an old and most valuable collection of Ola books and postgraduate students generally consult them. It also has a valuable collection of Dhamma books. Several books of other publications have been donated to the library from institutions as individuals. Buddhist publications, Sinhala Magazines, Newspapers, Ola leaf manuscripts, Ola books, Dhamma books are available at the Library.
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SIR BARON JAYATILAKA MEMORIAL LECTURES This is a annual public lecture organised by the Colombo YMBA to commemorate an outstanding Statesman of Sri Lanka the Late Sir Baron Jayatilaka, a former leader of the State Council, Minister of Home Affairs and the First President of the YMBA. An inaugural public lecture organised by the Colombo YMBA was held in 1968 thereafter the Memorial Lecturers have been continued each year and the persons who are invited to deliver on various subjects of Buddhism include imminent speakers.
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SIR BARON JAYATILAKA LIBRARY AND ASSOCIATED ARCHIVES
Name of Branch Secretary : Mr. C. Raja Kuruppu
Branch Office Address : YMBA Headquarters, No. 70, D.S. Senanayake Mawatha , Col. 8
Contact Telephone Nos. : Office: 2682397 Fax: 2682397 Residence: 2586084
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DHAMMA BOOKS Dhamma books are printed and sold mostly to Dhamma schools. Any person who wishes to purchase books can do so or contact the Branch Secretary for further information. Name of Branch Secretary : Mr. S. Withanachchi
Branch Office Address : YMBA Headquarters, No. 70, D.S. Senanayake Mawatha, Col. 8
Contact Telephone Nos ; Office: 2695786 Fax: 2682397 Residence: 2784431
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COMMEMORATION OF THE LATE PAST PRESIDENTS The YMBA Board of Governors, Board of Management and the staff take much effort in organising separate Pinkamas to commemorate all the late Past Presidents who have contributed immensely to bring Colombo YMBA to the present status. All Pinkamas are held at the Fort Viharage and the Bhikkus who conducts these Pinkamas are invited at the request of the relatives of the Past President. Name of Branch Secretary : Mr. M.D. Ariyaratne
Branch Office Address : YMBA Headquarters, No. 70, D.S. Senanayake Mawatha , Col. 8
Contact Telephone Nos ; Office: 2911296 Fax: 2682397 Residence: 2826566
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MAIN HALL YMBA BORELLA The Hall at YMBA Borella consists of a large hall and a small hall. The Main Hall has green rooms, changing rooms and toilets and is very popular for having weddings and conferences. The smaller hall is mainly used for rehearsals. The Main Hall of the YMBA is hired out for Stage plays, Concert Rehearsals, Meetings, Conferences and Weddings etc, The Hall is reserved from 10.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon on every Sundays and Full Moon Poya days for the Dhamma Sermons and he Seela Bhawana programmes Name of Branch Secretary : Mr. Prasanna Goonetilleke
Branch Office Address : YMBA Headquarters, No. 70, D.S. Senanayake Mawatha , Col. 8
Contact Telephone Nos ; Office: 2682398 Fax: 2682397
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PILGRIM'S REST KATARAGAMA Provides economical and comfortable accommodation to Pilgrims visiting Kirivehera and Kataragama. It is centrally located (next to the Bus stand and near the Police Station) Banks, Pharmacies, Dispensaries and shops are close by. Walking distance to KATARAGAMA MAHA DEVALAYA
The Pilgrims Rest consist of: 3 special rooms
28 Class I rooms
20 Class II rooms
19 Class III rooms and
13 Halls for larger groups
All rooms and bathrooms are wall tiles and manager by a Resident Manager, 3 Assistant Managers and served by a courteous staff and team of Security Officers.
3 Air-conditioned rooms are under construction and expected to be completed by July 2006.
Reservations could be made by contacting Colombo Phone No……………….or Resident Manager Kataragama
Name of Branch Secretary : Mr. Suren Abeyagoonasekera
YMBA HEADQUARTERS COLOMBO
No. 70, D.S. Senanayake Mawatha, Col. 8
Telephone No: 0094-11-2682397
Fax: 0094-11-2682397
(Office hours only)
YMBA KATARAGAMA REST KATARAGAMA
Telephone & Fax: 047 - 2235234
(Could be contacted at all hours)
Resident Manager: Mr. Narada Pathirana
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