Social Services

Vocational School

To help develop vocational aptitudes in young men and women leaving school after their secondary education, self-employment oriented training courses are in operation.

The professional training acquired here, combined with the moulding of moral character to give them an unique opportunity to enhance their own positions, as well as that of their families and their communities. From its small beginnings with 100 it has now grown to over 1600 students. The curriculum includes: Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Motor Mechanics, Radio and Electrical Technology, Welding, Drafting, Management Skills, Computer Science, Photography, Flower Making and Arranging, Macramé, Cultural Music and Dancing and First Aid Training.

Social Service

Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya is much more than a traditional temple. Besides being a very adored, sanctified and reputed place of worship, it serves as a very dynamic social service center, under the able guidance of Venerable Prof. Bellanwila Wimalaratana, the Dayaka Sabha, the Women’s Organization, the Buddhist Youth Organization and Tharuna Bauddha Sansadaya work in coordination to provide a variety of services to the benefit of the people.

(a) Elderly Day Care Center: As the younger members of families are at work, looking after and caring for elderly parents has become an acute problems in the present society. This Center, manned by a kind staff, provides care and company for such parents, making them engaged in serene enjoyment with their peers.

(b) Medical Clinic: A medical clinic is held on the 2nd Sunday of each month to treat elderly people with low incomes from nearby villages. Government specialists and other doctors render this valuable service free of charge. Pharmacists, too, contribute to this noble effort. Students in the First Aid training program receive valuable training by assisting the doctors.

(c) Financial Assistance for the Sick: The Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya up to date has financially assisted about one hundred and Twenty patients to meet there medical expenses. For this the Temple utilizes the fees levied at its Car Park. Assistance given so far exceeds Rs.7,000,000/= (Seven Million Rupees)

Other services include the donation of a house each year to a destitute family. Scholarships are granted to needy children, others receive books, stationery and clothing enabling them to continue their education. In poor rural areas, support is provided to under-funded temples and the villages they serve. The Sri Somaratana Memorial Foundation is another branch of the temple supporting social services and scholarships.