Born in Colombo
Don David Hewavitharana was born on 17 September 1864 in Colombo.
Ananda Balika Vidyalaya · Colombo 10
Anagarika Dharmapala MuseumPreserving a Legacy.Inspiring Generations.
Discover the life, vision and enduring legacy of Anagarika Dharmapala through the historic collections preserved at Victor House, Ananda Balika Vidyalaya.
Welcome
Anagarika Dharmapala Museum
Located within the historic grounds of Ananda Balika Vidyalaya, Colombo 10, the Anagarika Dharmapala Museum preserves the memory and legacy of one of Sri Lanka's most important national figures.
Through historical photographs, documents, objects, publications, and educational materials, the museum connects Anagarika Dharmapala's life and work with Victor House and the heritage of Ananda Balika Vidyalaya.
“The duty of a Buddhist is to work for the good of humanity.”
Est. 1891
“Protector of the Dharma”
1864
Born
1933
Passed
Established in Colombo · 1891
Maha Bodhi Society
World's Parliament of Religions — Chicago, 1893
Ananda Balika Vidyalaya
Colombo 10, Sri Lanka
Anagarika Dharmapala
Don David Hewavitharana (1864 – 1933)
Historical photograph · Museum Collection Archive
THE MAN BEHIND THE LEGACY
Anagarika Dharmapala
Don David Hewavitharana • 1864 – 1933
Don David Hewavitharana was born in Colombo on 17 September 1864. His life became a lasting commitment to Buddhist revival, cultural preservation, social service, and an international Buddhist mission.
His work included the Maha Bodhi Society, participation in the World's Parliament of Religions in Chicago, and service to Buddhist education and heritage.
- Born
- 17 September 1864 · Colombo
- Passed Away
- 29 April 1933 · Sarnath, India
- Maha Bodhi Society
- Established in 1891
- World's Parliament of Religions — Chicago, 1893
WHAT THE MUSEUM PRESERVES
Discover What the Museum Preserves
Explore the archives, collections, Victor House, school heritage, and living activities that keep this history connected.
Victor House
Learn about the historic residence connected with Anagarika Dharmapala and its transformation into a place associated with education and heritage.
Explore Collection
Historical Archives
Explore photographs, documents, records, and historical materials connected with Anagarika Dharmapala and the Buddhist revival movement.
Explore Collection
Dharmapala Collections
Discover objects, personal belongings, memorabilia, and educational materials associated with his life and work.
Explore Collection
School Heritage
Discover the historical relationship between Victor House, Anagarika Dharmapala, and Ananda Balika Vidyalaya.
Explore Collection
Living Heritage
Experience a heritage that connects Sri Lanka's past with the values of education, discipline, cultural identity, and service.
Explore Collection
A HOUSE. A SCHOOL. A HERITAGE. A LEGACY.
Victor House
Victor House is an important part of the heritage story associated with Anagarika Dharmapala and Ananda Balika Vidyalaya.
Where supported by historical sources, its story includes a connection with Dharmapala's life and the journey associated with Bodh Gaya in 1891. Its later educational significance forms another important chapter.
Today, Victor House forms the historical setting of the Anagarika Dharmapala Museum, bringing together personal history, educational heritage, and national memory.
Explore Victor House
Historic Victor House
Grounds of Ananda Balika Vidyalaya, Colombo 10
A LIFE THAT CHANGED HISTORY
Historical Timeline
Key milestones in the life and mission of Anagarika Dharmapala (1864 – 1933)
Journey to Bodh Gaya
His journey to Bodh Gaya became a defining moment in his international Buddhist mission.
Maha Bodhi Society
The Maha Bodhi Society was established as an important platform for Buddhist heritage preservation and revival.
World's Parliament of Religions — Chicago, 1893
Dharmapala represented Theravada Buddhism at the World's Parliament of Religions in Chicago.
Entered Monastic Life
He entered the Buddhist monastic order and received the name Sri Devamitta Dharmapala.
Passed Away at Sarnath
He passed away on 29 April 1933 at Sarnath, India.
Ananda Balika Vidyalaya
Colombo 10, Sri Lanka
School Heritage
Ananda Balika Vidyalaya
Colombo 10, Sri Lanka
Ananda Balika Vidyalaya carries an important educational heritage connected with Victor House and the wider Buddhist revival movement associated with Anagarika Dharmapala. Established in 1925, the school became part of a continuing story of Buddhist education, character formation, cultural identity and service.
The school continues to carry forward a proud tradition of education, character, and service, preserving its connection to the values that shaped its remarkable heritage.
Explore School HeritageEVENTS & COMMEMORATIONS
Events That Keep His Vision Alive
Ananda Balika Vidyalaya continues to honour the life and vision of Anagarika Dharmapala through commemorative, religious, educational, cultural, and heritage activities.
Commemoration
17 September (Annual)
Annual Anagarika Dharmapala Commemoration
Annual commemoration ceremony conducted by Ananda Balika Vidyalaya featuring floral tributes, religious observances, and lectures remembering the national contribution of Anagarika Dharmapala.
Religious Programme
Annual Event
Religious Observances & Pirith Ceremony
Religious observances and pirith chanting organised to honour Buddhist spiritual values and remember the legacy of Sri Devamitta Dharmapala.
Educational Programme
Dharmapala Commemoration Programme
Anagarika Dharmapala Museum Visit
As part of the Anagarika Dharmapala commemoration programme, students from invited schools visited the Anagarika Dharmapala Museum at Victor House. The students were guided through the museum and introduced to its historical exhibits, photographs, documents, and other items connected with the life, work, and legacy of Anagarika Dharmapala.
GALLERY
Visual Heritage
A collection of preserved artefacts and historical items connected to the life and legacy of Anagarika Dharmapala.
AN ENDURING LEGACY
His Life Ended. His Work Continued.
The legacy of Anagarika Dharmapala continues through education, Buddhist heritage, cultural preservation, social responsibility, and institutions connected with his vision. Visit the museum and discover the story of a life dedicated to service.