The conservation and ceremonial handover of historical palm-leaf manuscripts, together with the opening of the renovated library, were held on 29 January 2026 at the Sri Dharmagupta Pirivena, Mulaya Maha Viharaya — the headquarters of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya — in conjunction with the 163rd Nikaya Day and the 140th Commemoration of its Founder.
On this significant occasion, 341 ancient palm-leaf manuscripts, conserved with the generous financial support of the Bauddhaloka Foundation and the technical expertise of the National Library and Documentation Services Board, were formally handed over to the temple. Of particular importance was the discovery and preservation of the earliest known primary source relating to the origins of the Ramanna Nikaya, written in Burmese, underscoring the profound historical value of this conservation initiative.
The event also marked the reopening of the renovated Sri Dharmagupta Pirivena Library, along with the launch of a special English publication titled Suvanna Setu. This commemorative volume features scholarly research on Myanmar–Sri Lanka bilateral relations and the historical background of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya.The ceremony was conducted under the patronage of Aggamaha Pandita Most Venerable Makulewe Sri Wimala Mahanayake Thero, Mahanayake of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya. It was further distinguished the participation of a special delegation comprising six monks from the Myanmar Ramanna Maha Nikaya, including three Anunayake Theros. Their presence, at the invitation of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya and with the support of the Honorable Chairman of the Bauddhaloka Foundation, Mr. Jagath Sumathipala, was a notable highlight of the occasion.
Also in attendance were the Anunayake Theros of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya, the Grand Registrar and members of the Maha Sangha; the Honorable Chairman of the Bauddhaloka Foundation, Mr. Jagath Sumathipala, and Mrs. Samantha Sumathipala; the Director General of the National Library and Documentation Services Board, Mr. W. Sunil; Deputy Director Dr. Udaya Cabraal; as well as a large gathering of distinguished guests and devoted lay supporters.
