- Welcome To Uparatana Paramitha Padanama
Empowering Sri Lankan Communities through Social, Economic & Cultural Development
සමාජ, ආර්ථික සහ සංස්කෘතික
සංවර්ධනය තුලින් ශ්රී ලංකික
ප්රජාව සවිබල ගැන්වීම
උපරතන පාරමිතා පදනම යනු, අධ්යාපනය බලගැන්වීම සහ දැනුවත්භාවය තුළින්, යහපත් සමාජ පරිසරයක් ගොඩනැගීම, විවිධ ජන කණ්ඩායම් වල ආර්ථික, සමාජීය මෙන්ම සංස්කෘතිකමය පරිසරය ශක්තිමත් කර , තිරසාර ප්රජාවක් ගොඩනැගීමට කැප වූ ලාභ නොලබන සංවිධානයකි.
The Uparatana Paramita Padanama is a non-profit organization dedicated to building a better social environment, strengthening the economic, social and cultural environment of diverse groups, and building a sustainable community through empowering education and awareness.
- Chairman's Message – Most Venerable Katugastota Uparatana Thero
For over four decades, I have lived and worked in the United States of America, building deep international religious, social, and cultural relationships. Long ago, I made a heartfelt determination to use these connections as a foundation to uplift and support the lives of Sri Lankan people.
Through the lens of natural disasters, man-made crises, and the deepening economic imbalance in our country, I have come to intimately understand the struggles faced by vulnerable Sri Lankans. In response, I personally intervened—connecting generous Sri Lankan expatriates and compassionate American individuals and organizations—to deliver relief and support to those in need.
The desire to transform my personal acts of social service into a broader and more structured humanitarian mission had long been a deep aspiration within me. The birth of Uparatana Paramitha Padanama is the fulfillment of that noble vision—a platform created to turn people-centered dreams into reality.
It is a great blessing in my ordained life to have been able to establish this organization with the goal of enhancing the economic, social, cultural, and spiritual well-being of the Sri Lankan people.
I have always believed in the profound teaching of Gautama the Buddha, who preached that a peaceful society can be built through unity and cooperation among all races, religions, and genders. That guiding principle is what I consider my highest teacher. I humbly invite all kind-hearted individuals around the world to join us in upholding and continuing this altruistic journey.
“May all living beings be happy and free from suffering.”
Most Venerable Katugastota Uparatana Thero
Chief Judicial Sanghanayaka of America,
Chief Incumbent of the Maryland International Buddhist Temple,
Chief Incumbent of the Ranwala Gedara Temple in Kurunegala.
Founder & Chairman – Uparatana Paramitha Padanama
- Chairman's Message – Most Venerable Katugastota Uparatana Thero
For over four decades, I have lived and worked in the United States of America, building deep international religious, social, and cultural relationships. Long ago, I made a heartfelt determination to use these connections as a foundation to uplift and support the lives of Sri Lankan people.
Through the lens of natural disasters, man-made crises, and the deepening economic imbalance in our country, I have come to intimately understand the struggles faced by vulnerable Sri Lankans. In response, I personally intervened—connecting generous Sri Lankan expatriates and compassionate American individuals and organizations—to deliver relief and support to those in need.
The desire to transform my personal acts of social service into a broader and more structured humanitarian mission had long been a deep aspiration within me. The birth of Uparatana Paramitha Padanama is the fulfillment of that noble vision—a platform created to turn people-centered dreams into reality.
It is a great blessing in my ordained life to have been able to establish this organization with the goal of enhancing the economic, social, cultural, and spiritual well-being of the Sri Lankan people.
I have always believed in the profound teaching of Gautama the Buddha, who preached that a peaceful society can be built through unity and cooperation among all races, religions, and genders. That guiding principle is what I consider my highest teacher. I humbly invite all kind-hearted individuals around the world to join us in upholding and continuing this altruistic journey.
“May all living beings be happy and free from suffering.”
Most Venerable Katugastota Uparatana Thero
Chief Judicial Sanghanayaka of America,
Chief Incumbent of the Maryland International Buddhist Temple,
Chief Incumbent of the Ranwala Gedara Temple in Kurunegala.
Founder & Chairman – Uparatana Paramitha Padanama
- International Coordinator's Message – Jeevika U. Katumetiyawa
The empowerment of a nation’s people in social, economic, cultural, and religious aspects is
not the result of an isolated process. This is why various individuals or organizations take on the
responsibility of contributing to this cause. The responsibilities assigned to such groups or social
organizations should be broad and deeply understood. The reason for this is that, in the present
time, many such institutions or individuals tend to direct their actions based on personal and
narrow interests. However, the social responsibility entrusted to these organizations must
never be neglected, regardless of the circumstances.
In my perspective, the Uparatna Paramitha Foundation, as a non-profit voluntary organization,
operates on an internationally recognized development approach known as Asset-Based
Community Development (ABCD). Simply put, this approach identifies developmental needs
from within the community itself, engages the community’s active participation, and leverages
existing resources to implement initiatives that ultimately benefit the community. The
foundation firmly believes that true empowerment can only be achieved by granting
communities ownership of their development.
My noble aspiration and responsibility are to serve humanity, transcending national, religious,
caste, class, racial, and gender divisions. I am committed to uniting people across the world
around this humanitarian mission, fostering an unbreakable human bond that upholds the
values of service and compassion.
“Empowering Communities, Uniting Humanity, Serving with Compassion.”
Jeevika U. Katumetiyawa
International Coordinator
and Head of the Board of Directors of the Uparatana Paramitha Padanama.
- International Coordinator's Message – Jeevika U. Katumetiyawa
The empowerment of a nation’s people in social, economic, cultural, and religious aspects is
not the result of an isolated process. This is why various individuals or organizations take on the
responsibility of contributing to this cause. The responsibilities assigned to such groups or social
organizations should be broad and deeply understood. The reason for this is that, in the present
time, many such institutions or individuals tend to direct their actions based on personal and
narrow interests. However, the social responsibility entrusted to these organizations must
never be neglected, regardless of the circumstances.
In my perspective, the Uparatna Paramitha Foundation, as a non-profit voluntary organization,
operates on an internationally recognized development approach known as Asset-Based
Community Development (ABCD). Simply put, this approach identifies developmental needs
from within the community itself, engages the community’s active participation, and leverages
existing resources to implement initiatives that ultimately benefit the community. The
foundation firmly believes that true empowerment can only be achieved by granting
communities ownership of their development.
My noble aspiration and responsibility are to serve humanity, transcending national, religious,
caste, class, racial, and gender divisions. I am committed to uniting people across the world
around this humanitarian mission, fostering an unbreakable human bond that upholds the
values of service and compassion.
“Empowering Communities, Uniting Humanity, Serving with Compassion.”
Jeevika U. Katumetiyawa
International Coordinator
and Head of the Board of Directors of the Uparatana Paramitha Padanama.
- Message from the Secretary -Sisira Wijesinghe
The progress of a nation lies not only in its material development but also in the empowerment of its people through inclusive social, cultural, economic, and spiritual engagement. Such transformation does not occur in isolation—it requires the collective efforts of dedicated individuals and organizations working with a shared sense of responsibility.
As the Secretary of the Uparatana Paramitha Padanama, I am proud to be part of a foundation that upholds this vital mission. Our organization follows the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) model, a globally recognized approach that encourages community-driven development. By recognizing the strengths and resources that already exist within communities, we work hand-in-hand with the people to create meaningful and lasting impact.
In a time when many initiatives are driven by narrow self-interest, it is essential that organizations like ours remain steadfast in their commitment to genuine social service. We are guided by a deep understanding that real change stems from compassion, inclusivity, and the belief in the potential of every human being.
We dedicate our work to uplifting the underserved, uniting diverse communities, and fostering a society built on kindness, respect, and shared humanity. I believe that through our collective dedication, we can build a future where every individual is empowered to thrive.
Let us continue this journey with purpose and unity.
“Together in Service, Stronger in Purpose, United in Humanity.”
Sisira Wijesinghe
Secretary
Uparatana Paramitha Padanama
- Message from the Secretary -Sisira Wijesinghe
The progress of a nation lies not only in its material development but also in the empowerment of its people through inclusive social, cultural, economic, and spiritual engagement. Such transformation does not occur in isolation—it requires the collective efforts of dedicated individuals and organizations working with a shared sense of responsibility.
As the Secretary of the Uparatana Paramitha Padanama, I am proud to be part of a foundation that upholds this vital mission. Our organization follows the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) model, a globally recognized approach that encourages community-driven development. By recognizing the strengths and resources that already exist within communities, we work hand-in-hand with the people to create meaningful and lasting impact.
In a time when many initiatives are driven by narrow self-interest, it is essential that organizations like ours remain steadfast in their commitment to genuine social service. We are guided by a deep understanding that real change stems from compassion, inclusivity, and the belief in the potential of every human being.
We dedicate our work to uplifting the underserved, uniting diverse communities, and fostering a society built on kindness, respect, and shared humanity. I believe that through our collective dedication, we can build a future where every individual is empowered to thrive.
Let us continue this journey with purpose and unity.
“Together in Service, Stronger in Purpose, United in Humanity.”
Sisira Wijesinghe
Secretary
Uparatana Paramitha Padanama
Frequently Asked Questions
Uparatana Paramitha Padanama is a nonprofit organization focused on uplifting the economic, social, cultural, and spiritual well-being of Sri Lankan communities through sustainable development, humanitarian aid, and social service initiatives.
The organization was founded by Most Venerable Katugastota Uparatana Thero, a Sri Lankan Buddhist monk with over four decades of service in the United States, who has long supported community development and international compassion efforts.
We focus on child education and protection, women’s empowerment, healthcare access, psychosocial support, climate adaptation, cultural preservation, disaster relief, peacebuilding, and awareness on reproductive health and good governance.
You can contribute by volunteering, donating, or partnering with us. Please visit our Get Involved or Donate page for more information.
TOWARDS ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
