The Buddhist Publication was initiated in 1902. The journal had been started by the Colombo Theosophical Society in 1888, but found it difficult to carry on. The brains behind the YMBA like D.B Jayatilaka and A.E. Buultjens realised that the YMBA was not just an Association for being Buddhist discussion, for gatherings of like-minded Buddhists, for bana preaching, but a movement for the revival, and the restoration of Buddhism to its rightful place in this country. Hence the publication of a journal like “the Buddhist” it was realised would be of immense help to put across Buddhist, opinion in the country. It could act as the mouthpiece of Buddhists, as a watchdog for protecting of Buddhist rights and privileges and an instrument for exposures of inroads made towards the subversion or destruction of Buddhism in this country.
Publication of “The Buddhist” was no easy task. There was often conflict of opinion both from a secular angle and from the clergy. Obstacles and handicaps did spring up on the way. But men like A.E. Buultjens, C.W. Leadbeater, C. Jinarajadasa and D.B. Jayatilaka who was Editor did not cave in the face of difficulties. It was at the time the only journal on Buddhism in English. In those early issues there was much discussion of doctrinal matters. D.B. Jayatilaka was a profound student of the Buddha Dhamma and the journal had the benefit of his erudition and scholarship.
The Buddhists were in dire need of this journal to spearhead Buddhist thought and opinion, to defend the positions they took in matters of public interest, and answer their critics and opponents who were many. The circumstances of its publication were hostile, but since the country continued to be bombarded by Christian propaganda it was necessary for the Buddhists to have a mouthpiece to express their views.
