The Chairman
Jagath Sumathipala serves as the Chairman of the Bauddhaloka Foundation, established with the vision of further extending the noble philanthropic work carried out the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress (ACBC). His leadership reflects a deep and enduring commitment to what may be described as a national, religious and social mission, which he has pursued with dedication for over two decades. He also holds the distinguished position of Vice President of the World Fellowship of Buddhists (WFB).
A successful businessman profession, Jagath Sumathipala has consistently channelled his personal resources towards a wide range of religious and social initiatives.Motivated a profound awareness of human suffering and a compassionate response to it, he has contributed generously to numerous causes. His ability to mobilise and sustain large-scale philanthropic efforts over the years has further strengthened the impact and reach of his service.
Beyond philanthropy, he is known for his deep love for Sri Lanka’s heritage, culture, and its people. With a keen interest and sound understanding of the country’s history and archaeology, he has actively supported the preservation and restoration of ancient heritage sites, religious monuments, and places of historical significance. Through his efforts, many such sites have been protected and maintained, helping to safeguard not only physical structures but also the collective memory and identity of the Sri Lankan people. His work reflects a sincere commitment to ensuring that future generations remain connected to the island’s rich cultural legacy.The establishment of the Bauddhaloka Foundation marks a natural progression of this lifelong commitment to altruism. Under his stewardship, the Foundation aspires to undertake initiatives of lasting value, rooted in compassion, cultural preservation, and service to society.
Jagath Sumathipala
Chairman
The Bauddhaloka Foundation
The Bauddhaloka Foundation is a distinguished non-governmental organisation in Sri Lanka, primarily committed to the preservation of the country’s cultural, religious, and archaeological heritage. Over the years, the foundation has played a leading role in protecting and promoting Sri Lanka’s rich historical legacy, making heritage conservation its central mission.
Preserving Sri Lanka's Rich Heritage
A cornerstone of the foundation’s work is the physical and intellectual preservation of Sri Lanka’s history. This includes supporting the excavation and restoration of key archaeological sites, such as the Kurundi Ancient Buddhist Monastery in the Mullaitivu District, carried out in close partnership with the Department of Archaeology. Through these projects, the foundation ensures that Sri Lanka’s heritage is maintained for future generations.
In addition to physical conservation, the foundation engages in scholarly and educational initiatives, commissioning and publishing books and materials that provide accurate historical accounts, particularly to correct misconceptions or pseudo-historical narratives about Sri Lanka’s past, including the Northern Province. This intellectual preservation safeguards the integrity of the nation’s history and promotes a fact-based understanding of its cultural identity. The foundation has published 16 scholary works so far, in Sinhala, Tamil and English languages.
The foundation also actively organises and supports cultural and religious events, such as the 150th anniversary of the historic Panadura Debate, a landmark occasion in Sri Lanka’s Buddhist revival, further highlighting its dedication to sustaining the nation’s cultural traditions.
Under the committed leadership of Jagath Sumathipala, the Bauddhaloka Foundation has established itself as a leading force in Sri Lanka’s heritage preservation, blending professional expertise and community engagement to protect the country’s cultural identity.
The foundation, in its service to Sri Lanka’s Buddhist literature, organises the Buddhist Literature Festival to recognise and encourage those engaged in producing Buddhist literary works, there nurturing the country’s literary and cultural heritage. The festival is held annually.
Supporting Society
While the preservation of cultural heritage is its primary mission, the foundation also contributes to broader social welfare, serving Sri Lankan society in practical ways:
- Housing for the Needy: Providing homes and shelter for families and individuals without proper housing.
- Support for Vulnerable Groups: Assisting people affected natural disasters, the elderly, the disabled, young women, and single mothers.
- Education and Cultural Promotion: Promoting Buddhist education and cultural understanding among children.
- Animal Welfare: Supporting initiatives that protect and care for animals.
About the Foundation
The Bauddhaloka Foundation was established on 3 October 2020 its chairman, Jagath Sumathipala, continuing his family’s long tradition of charitable service. As a government-registered organisation, it brings together professionals and experts from different fields to work collectively for the benefit of society, with heritage preservation as its defining focus.
Our Vision & Mission
Vision
Our vision is to provide comprehensive services to the nation contributing to its development and delivering meaningful social services. We are committed to preserving and protecting all places of archaeological value, as well as the temples and heritage sites of the country in which we were born.
Mission
It is our mission to serve human society actively developing and safeguarding all places of archaeological significance and religious shrines across our country, ensuring their preservation for future generations.