Preserving History. Inspiring Generations.
The Anagarika Dharmapala Museum was created with a commitment to protect an important part of Sri Lanka's Buddhist, cultural and educational heritage for future generations.
The museum provides students, researchers and visitors with an opportunity to learn about the life and service of Anagarika Dharmapala through historical evidence, personal accounts, photographs, documents and objects connected with his life and work.
“Its purpose extends beyond preserving physical objects. It seeks to preserve memory, knowledge, values and inspiration.”
Preserving History & Heritage
Anagarika Dharmapala Museum · Colombo 10
The initiative to establish the museum was undertaken during the tenure of Mrs. Malini Herath, then Principal of Ananda Balika Vidyalaya.
Recognizing the historical importance of Victor House and the need to preserve the heritage associated with Anagarika Dharmapala, a committee consisting of interested members of the school staff was appointed to undertake the project.
Organized Stages of Project Development
The work was planned as a series of carefully organized stages, beginning with the restoration of Victor House and eventually leading to the collection, preservation and presentation of historical material.
The Founding Vision
Ananda Balika Vidyalaya Staff
Ananda Balika Vidyalaya Staff
A Journey of Restoration, Preservation, and Museum Creation
Identifying areas requiring restoration and returning the historic residence to a condition suitable for preservation.
Studying old photographs and historical records to identify later additions and alterations and removing inappropriate structures.
Researching and organizing information about his life, work, religious service, social service, education and writings.
Searching for objects, documents, photographs and other materials connected with Dharmapala and his life.
Organizing the collected photographs, documents, objects and historical information and placing them within Victor House as a carefully arranged museum collection.
The first challenge was identifying the areas of Victor House that required restoration.
Securing financial resources for the work proved difficult. Discussions were held with the heads of several institutions associated with Anagarika Dharmapala, but these efforts did not initially produce the necessary support.
The School Community Stepped Forward
The school therefore turned to its own community. With very little preparation time, the teaching staff, students and parents came together to organize a school fair to raise funds for the restoration.
The dedication of teachers, students, parents, past teachers and old students made the fundraising effort successful, allowing restoration work to begin.
“A project built on school community dedication”
Once the physical restoration was underway, the next major task was discovering and documenting the history connected with Anagarika Dharmapala.
The committee sought information from religious institutions, educational institutions, government departments, archives, family-associated organizations and individuals who possessed memories or records relating to him.
Research was conducted across Sri Lanka and India, collaborating with institutions that preserve historical documentation from the Buddhist revival era.
Connecting Written Archives with Eyewitness Memories
The museum's research extended beyond written records. Through public appeals made through print and electronic media, people from different parts of the country came forward with information, memories and historical material.
Two particularly valuable eyewitness accounts were obtained from people who had seen Anagarika Dharmapala during his lifetime.
Former Student, Ananda College · Approx. 90 Years Old
Mr. P. G. Dhanatunga visited the museum and provided valuable information about Dharmapala's daily life at Victor House.
He identified the exact location where Dharmapala's bed had been placed, explaining that the stupa of Vidyodaya Pirivena could be clearly seen through the window from that position.
Area Resident During Childhood
Mrs. E. P. C. Seeli, who had lived in the surrounding area as a child, shared vivid personal memories of seeing Anagarika Dharmapala.
She recalled seeing Dharmapala walking with his secretary while collecting funds for Bodh Gaya — carrying a vessel in one hand and a walking stick in the other.
She also remembered the enormous public gathering around Vidyodaya Pirivena when Dharmapala's ashes were brought back to Sri Lanka.
“These oral histories are valuable because they connect the museum's written records with memories passed directly from people who experienced the period.”
The committee studied books, newspapers, photographs and documents relating to Anagarika Dharmapala and his period.
The Department of National Archives provided access to newspapers published during his lifetime, allowing the committee to discover historical photographs, reports and information that could be incorporated into the museum.
Research was also carried out through institutions connected with Dharmapala and organizations associated with his educational and social work.
Members of the committee also had the opportunity to visit the Anagarika Dharmapala Museum at Isipathana, Sarnath, India, and learn from its experience and collections.
The Sinhalese Buddhist Newspaper
The information gathered from archives, institutions, books, newspapers, individuals and historical collections was carefully organized and transformed into museum displays.
Family background, early life and important stages of his journey.
His Buddhist, social and educational service across Sri Lanka and internationally.
Books, publications, handwritten letters and documentary material.
His ordination, higher ordination, final period and passing at Sarnath.
The return of his ashes to Sri Lanka and the historical significance of the journey.
The museum presents Anagarika Dharmapala's life, mission, final years, and the history of Ananda Balika Vidyalaya through carefully preserved objects, documents, photographs, writings, recordings and other historical material within Victor House. Use the floor plan as an authentic visual guide to understand how this historical narrative is presented throughout the building.
Family background, pioneering influences, the place where Anagarika Dharmapala lived within Victor House, and the historical setting that shaped his personal life.
The breadth of his Buddhist, social, educational and literary service is presented through preserved objects, writings, documents and audio heritage.
The final period of his life is represented with respect through the story of his monastic life, higher ordination, passing at Sarnath and the return of his cremated ashes to Sri Lanka.
This part preserves the educational heritage and institutional history of Ananda Balika Vidyalaya alongside the story of Victor House and Anagarika Dharmapala.
Historical photographs documenting Dharmapala's life, work, travels, and period.
Letters, records, handwritten correspondence and archival material connected with his life.
Objects associated with Dharmapala and the historical period in which he lived.
Works written by Dharmapala and publications documenting his global mission.
A preserved rare recording containing Dharmapala's actual voice.
Material gathered from archives, institutions and living oral history accounts.
The historic residence itself as an essential part of the museum's heritage.
Rare Donations and Historical Relics Preserved for Generations
Recording & Manuscripts
Donated by Mr. G. Jayasinghe
The museum received several important donations as a result of its research and public appeals. Among these was a rare audio recording containing Anagarika Dharmapala's voice, handwritten material, and a historic photograph.
Sacred Historical Relic
Donated by Ven. Banagala Upatissa Nayaka Thero
The museum also received a historically significant casket associated with the return of Anagarika Dharmapala's ashes to Sri Lanka.
Donated by Ven. Banagala Upatissa Nayaka Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Maha Bodhi Vihara, as a central treasure of the museum's exhibition.
A significant moment in the history of the Anagarika Dharmapala Museum was the presentation of the casket containing the cremated ashes of Anagarika Dharmapala by Venerable Banagala Upatissa Thero to the school.
The sacred casket was formally presented to Mrs. Malani Herath, Principal of Ananda Balika Vidyalaya, in the presence of Mrs. Madhwi Dissanayake, Assistant Principal. This generous donation became an important part of the school's efforts to preserve and honour the enduring legacy of Anagarika Dharmapala.
The Anagarika Dharmapala Museum was officially opened by Mr. Bandula Gunawardena, Minister of Education.
In recognition of the initiative and effort involved in establishing the museum, Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa, former President of Sri Lanka, presented a special honour in connection with the creation of the museum.
Official Opening of the Anagarika Dharmapala Museum
Opened by Mr. Bandula Gunawardena, Minister of Education
Special Honour Presented by Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa
Preserve the Anagarika Dharmapala Museum for future generations.
Protect its objects, photographs and documents.
Give students an opportunity to study the life and character of one of Sri Lanka's significant historical figures.
Remember Dharmapala's social service and continue its spirit through annual community service activities.
Preserve the memory of his service to the country and Buddhist heritage.
A place of remembrance, historical education, heritage research, and connection between past and future generations.
Our museum is not just a static building—it is an active center of living heritage.
The museum continues to play an active role in the educational and cultural life of Ananda Balika Vidyalaya.
The Museum Committee, with the leadership of the school's Buddhist Society, organizes annual activities that connect students with Dharmapala's legacy.
Living Educational Heritage
Ananda Balika Vidyalaya · Buddhist Society
Connecting students and the community with Dharmapala's legacy throughout the year.
Regular cleaning, preservation and maintenance of the museum collection and Victor House premises are carried out throughout the year. These activities help protect historical photographs, documents, personal belongings and other important objects associated with Anagarika Dharmapala. Careful attention is given to maintaining the museum environment so that the heritage preserved within it can be safely presented to students, visitors and future generations.
New students entering Grade 6 and Advanced Level classes are introduced to the Anagarika Dharmapala Museum as part of their heritage and school orientation. Students are given an opportunity to learn about Dharmapala's life, his contribution to Buddhism and his connection with the school. They are also encouraged to visit the museum, observe the preserved heritage and pay floral tribute as a mark of respect and remembrance.
An annual Pirith ceremony and almsgiving are conducted at the museum in solemn remembrance of Anagarika Dharmapala. The religious observance brings together students, teachers, members of the Buddhist Society, the Museum Committee and members of the school community to commemorate his life, service and dedication to the Buddha Sasana. The programme provides an opportunity for the school community to engage in religious observances, offer merits and reflect upon the values of compassion, discipline, devotion and service represented by Dharmapala's life and mission.
A Dhamma sermon is held in remembrance of Anagarika Dharmapala on 29 April, commemorating the day of his passing. The occasion provides an opportunity for students, teachers and the wider school community to remember his lifelong dedication to Buddhism, education, national consciousness and social service. Through the Dhamma sermon and remembrance activities, the school honours his contribution and encourages younger generations to understand his values, appreciate his service and continue his legacy through meaningful actions.
Annual social service initiatives are conducted in remembrance of Anagarika Dharmapala's strong commitment to the wellbeing of society. These activities encourage students and members of the school community to understand the importance of compassion, generosity and service to others. Through practical community-oriented programmes, the school seeks to continue the spirit of social responsibility and selfless service that formed an important part of Dharmapala's vision and work.
Short story, prose, poetry and art competitions are organized at grade level to encourage students to explore the life, teachings, values and heritage connected with Anagarika Dharmapala. These creative activities provide students with an opportunity to express their understanding through writing and artistic work while developing their talents and appreciation of history. Certificates are awarded to successful participants and winners, recognizing their creativity, effort and contribution to the commemoration programme.
The school commemorates Anagarika Dharmapala Day through a series of meaningful activities that honour his remarkable contribution to Buddhism, education, national consciousness and social service. The annual programme includes floral tributes, the Memorial Lecture, singing of the Dharmapala Memorial Song and the awarding of certificates to competition winners. The commemoration brings together students, teachers and the school community to remember his life and inspire younger generations to carry forward the values of discipline, education, service and devotion that characterized his lifelong mission.
Since 2015, the Old Girls' Association of Ananda Balika Vidyalaya has organized an annual blood donation programme in connection with the commemoration of Anagarika Dharmapala. The campaign reflects the values of compassion, generosity and social responsibility associated with his mission and provides an opportunity for past pupils, members of the school community and well-wishers to contribute to the wellbeing of others. Through voluntary blood donation, participants continue the tradition of meaningful social service while making a direct contribution to those in need.
From the restoration of a historic residence to the collection of photographs, documents, objects and memories, the creation of the Anagarika Dharmapala Museum has been a journey of dedication.
What began as an effort to protect Victor House became a larger mission — to preserve the memory of Anagarika Dharmapala and provide future generations with an opportunity to learn from his life and service.