Description: (Monk)
Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Thera was a prominent Sri Lankan Buddhist monk known for his significant contributions to the Buddhist revivalist movement in the 19th century. He was instrumental in advancing Buddhist education and founded Vidyodaya Pirivena in 1873, which eventually became a university. A respected author and orator, he excelled in languages and various subjects such as Buddhism, history, and archaeology. He played a key role in the Panadurawadaya religious debate, demonstrating his deep knowledge and strong advocacy for Buddhism.