Meditation Centres in Sri Lanka

Mindfulness meditation from the Theravada tradition for the spiritual development of people of all faiths & none. Online courses & support since 1997

by Andrew Quernmore

There are many meditation centres throughout Sri Lanka, most of which offer tuition in Sinhala only. The places listed below represent those where at least one teacher can communicate in clear English.

Located 16 miles from Colombo, accessible by bus route 224 (Colombo/Pugoda).
Started in 1956, and offers Vipassana instruction in the style of Mahasi Sayadaw of Burma.

The centre can accommodate up to 70 meditators at a time. Accommodation, meals and services are offered free of charge, the centre being funded by donation. Meditators must dress in white throughout their stay (White clothing is available for foreigners). Meditators can stay for a number of weeks or months, and help can be given with visa extensions. It is recommended that meditators undergo an initial training period of 3 weeks at the centre. Tuition continues throughout the year, but as the centre can be full at times (particularly around poya days) it is wise to telephone ahead.

The teacher at this centre, until his death in March 2000, was Godwin Samararatne - a layman with extensive experience of teaching both in Sri Lanka and abroad. Godwin's style was firmly within the Buddhist tradition but with an emphasis on metta (loving-kindness) and mindfulness in daily life. The emphasis at the centre under resident teacher Upul Gamage continues to stress these aspects. The centre is in beautiful surroundings above a tea plantation outside of Kandy.

Meditators used to be able to stay from one night to several years but this has now changed to a schedule of short retreats (mainly of 5 days' duration) on specific dates. The Nilambe website gives details of these dates and how to apply for a place. It is now necessary to book ahead.

The centre charges a small amount per day to foreigners to cover accommodation and food. Sri Lankans may offer donations instead. Teaching is available in English and Sinhala from the resident teachers. There is a good library of books and tapes in English and Sinhala.

Inquiries and bookings should be made through: Buddhist Cultural Centre, 125 Anderson Road, Nedimala, Dehiwala. Tel: 734256.

This is a newer Vipassana centre catering mainly to Sri Lankan meditators. English and Sinhala are both spoken by the monk-in-charge, and foreign meditators are welcome. Transport regularly leaves the BCC in Dehiwala (outskirts of Colombo) to go to the meditation centre, and the BCC should be able to arrange an interview with the teacher beforehand should this be required. The meditation centre is also accessible by bus from Colombo. The centre is under the direction of Ven. K Wimalajothi.

A meditation centre which follows the instruction of S.N.Goenka. Regular 10 day courses in Goenkaji’s vipassana method take place at the centre. Please telephone for dates. Instruction is with the aid of tapes, and assistant teachers are in attendence. Goenka follows the technique introduced by U Ba Khin of Burma. After instruction in Anapanasati (mindfulness of breathing), the meditator moves on to a form of 'sweeping' meditation, whereby mindfulness of the sensations arising and ceasing in the body lead to an understanding of anicca (impermanance), and through that an understanding of dukkha and anatta. Instruction is available in Sinhala and English. No fees are charged, donations welcome. See dhamma.org for more details on this and other Goenka centres worldwide.

160 Dharmasoka Mawatha
Lewella
Kandy
Tel: 081-4921814
E-mail: lewella.meditation/AT/gmail.com
( - replace /AT/ with @ when sending mail)

A centre for experienced male meditators, and for the study of Buddhism, situated on the outskirts of Kandy. In addition to rooms within the centre several individual retreat kutis (huts) are available on the edge of the Udawattakelle forest reserve.

Institute for Buddhist Studies
(Dhammaratna Memorial Meditation & Foreign Languages)
Tel: 034-6131