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YMBA

Colombo YMBA

Established 1898
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Our Heritage

A Legacy of Resilience
& Revival

From a humble gathering in 1898 to a national institution, the Colombo YMBA has stood as a fortress for the protection and propagation of the Dhamma for over a century.

Its Genesis

The arrival of Colonel Henry Steel Olcott in 1880 marked a turning point for Buddhism in Ceylon, sparking a revival against the colonial suppression of the era. It was a dark time where admitting to being a Buddhist was a liability, and missionary activity was entrenched in the educational system.

Inspired by this revival, on January 8th, 1898, twenty enthusiastic young men—mostly government clerks—met informally at the Buddhist Theosophical Society in Pettah. Led by Mr. C.S. Dissanayake and presided over by Anagarika Dharmapala, they resolved to form the Young Men’s Buddhist Association.

"The moves of this new venture have in view the supplying of a want patent among the rising generation of Buddhists viz: the absence of the means of prosecuting studies of Buddhism in a systematic manner."

— Anagarika Dharmapala, Inaugural Session (1898)

Our Objectives

To provide facilities for, and to foster the study and the propagation of the Buddha Dhamma.

To encourage the practical observance of the Buddha Dhamma in daily life.

To promote unity and co-operation among Buddhists locally and internationally.

To advance the moral, cultural, physical, and social welfare of Buddhists.

A History of Struggle & Achievement

The Early Struggles & "The Buddhist" (1902)

In its infancy, the Association faced severe financial constraints with a membership subscription of only 50 cents. Despite this, they launched "The Buddhist" in 1902, the only English journal on Buddhism at the time. It became a powerful instrument for public opinion and the protection of Buddhist rights.

The 1915 Crisis

The 1915 riots brought a reign of terror. Many prominent leaders, including F.R. Senanayake and W.A. de Silva, were imprisoned. In this leadership vacuum, a few staunch members kept the flickering flame of the YMBA alive, preventing the Association from extinction during a period of intense suppression.

A Permanent Home (1924)

After years of wandering from rented halls, the YMBA secured a permanent home in 1924. Through the negotiating skills of Sir D.B. Jayatilaka and the generosity of F.R. Senanayake, the Association acquired "Mahanil" in Borella, which remains our Headquarters today.

The Fort Branch & Sir Cyril de Zoysa

A monumental achievement was the construction of the Fort Building. Spearheaded by the indefatigable Sir Cyril de Zoysa, this complex was built to serve the thousands of Buddhists working in the city. Despite engineering challenges on marshy land, it was completed in the late 1960s, becoming a major asset for the Association.

Our Impact Today

Dhamma Examinations

Initiated in 1920 by Sir D.B. Jayatilaka with just 374 candidates, these exams now accommodate hundreds of thousands of students. Today, we conduct examinations for students, teachers, and English-medium Dhamma exams globally in countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and the UK.

Social Welfare

Through numerous Trust Funds, we provide scholarships for needy students, maintain the Gamini Matha Elders Home, and support the Lakshmi Children’s Development Centre.

The Pioneers

  • Sir D.B. Jayatilaka First President (1898-1944)
  • C.S. Dissanayake First Secretary & "Father of YMBA"
  • Sir Cyril de Zoysa The driving force behind the Fort Building
  • Anagarika Dharmapala Presided over the inaugural meeting

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