iSurprise Panangala Hema

Head priest at the Sri Sudharmalaya Buddhist Temple

There is a culture of sharing in the Fort. We share at festival times – residents of all religions donate food for celebrations. The Fort has always been a multi-faith community. It’s unique in that way. There is no difference between people – you can feel it.
— Panangala Hema Loka Thero



Temple restoration


I first came to the temple in 1979 when I was 12. I was born in the Galle District about 27 miles from here. At the age of 19, I became responsible for the temple. For a few years I was on my own, but I didn’t feel lonely. I had so much work to do extending the shrine room and restoring the building which dates from 1886.


Daily life

A typical day for me begins at 4.30am. I walk on the ramparts in front of the temple. I like the calmness. I have a clear memory of everyone gathering at Moon Bastion when the tsunami hit in 2004. It was a safe point. Following my walk, I clean the temple, bathe, worship, have breakfast and then begin community service. Residents come and ask for advice with a variety of personal and business problems. We also have community meetings and give financial help to people in need.


Being human

Human life is very temporal. Religion is like a boat that helps you along the river of life. Every religion has a different story for the end of life. Apart from that we are all the same. We have the same feelings, the same needs. It’s important for us to live together and be kind to each other within this limited life.

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