In order to study and inculcate Buddhist-ethics and values contained in Ancient Sinhala Classical Literature, the Colombo YMBA inaugurated the Annual Gadya and Padya competition in 1998. The contest confined to Colombo District was further expanded to the whole island in the year 2000.
In the same year the contest was decentralized and held District wise and in District capitals. The Prize Giving of this island wide competition was held in Colombo.
In 2006 the Competition which was limited to recitation of extracts from Sinhala Classical Literature was improved adding compositions of poems and essays. An Essay Competition for Dhamma School Teachers also was added in the same year.
Sinhala Classical Literature for Recitation
- Prose - Poojaawaliya, Buthsarana, Amavatura, Saddharmaratnawaliya, Daladasiritha, Kuveni Asna, Sakaskata and Jathakapotha
- Poetry - Subhasithaya, Budugunalankaraya, Guttilakavya, Ganga Rohana Warnanawa, Yashodarawatha and Lowedasangarawa
