On the 55th anniversary of the Chief Incumbent of Colombo Gangarama Viharaya, Rev. Galaboda Gnanissara Thera’s clergy life (popularly known as Podi Hamuduruwo).

I recollect a few, unforgettable incidents relating to his straight forward qualities. ie "Don’t hesitate, tell it like it is" policy.

It was the year 1983. A close relative of mine (Albert Maama) had arranged to conduct an all night pirith ceremony at his newly built house at Kollupitiya and sought the participation of Rev. Galaboda Gnanissara and other monks of the Gangaramaya.

Podi Hamuduruwo accepted the invitation and arrived at the residence on time with the other bhikkus where the pirith ceremony was to be conducted. But my uncle was not present to receive the Maha Sangha. Then another relative of ours received the bhikkus and the pirith ceremony began.

But for the next morning "heel dana" Podi Hamuduruwo did not come. My uncle being saddened over this situation, wanted me to take the presents (Pirikara) to the Gangaramaya and offer them to the Podi Hamuduruwo.

At that time I didn’t know him. I have seen him, but not met him.

I went up to the priest and told him the purpose of my visit. He calmly raised his head and told me.

I remained obediently looking at his face, presuming him to tell me, "but you need not go and tell this to your uncle.... keep it between you and me..."

But what I heard from the Podi Hamuduruwo was something else. He said.

"You must go and tell this to your uncle (Maama). He should be aware of these practices. These are customs and traditions, that have to be adhered to. If these things are not taught same could be repeated. You may leave those things (Pirikara) you brought here and you can go then "Jayawewa" he said.

I was astonished to hear these words from him. What a straight forward person, in uttering the truth.

He began his clergy life on this day 55 years ago, on November 8th.

Podi Hamuduruwo’s multi service covers the whole island.

Solving the problems of poor temples, free rest room facilities to Kataragama devotees, child care homes for child refugees, printing and distributing dhamma books, organising the colourful Navam Maha Perahera. Tsunami donations granting aid obtained from foreign and local donors to deserving people, etc.

Since these matters are well known I wish to touch on some unpublished aspects of this priest.

The assassinated husband of ex-President Chandrika Kumaratunga. Vijaya Kumaratunga was imprisoned during the J. R. Jayewardene regime alleging he was a Naxalite. He was kept in solitary confinement in small dark room. Chandrika informed Podi Hamuduruwo, who promptly contacted President JRJ over the phone and said.

"Mr. President, putting an offender in jail is one thing, but should such a person be denied even sun light? This is not justice..."

Next moment Vijaya’s prison room saw the light.

During this period I visited the Gangaramaya daily between 5 and 5.30 a.m. and have seen Podi Hamuduruwo engaged in heavy work, despite assistants who could handle those work.

Podi Hamuduruwo believed that "such work will be satisfactorily finished only "when I put my hands" on it.

When he notices me he greets me "good morning" loudly for everybody to hear, "good morning... how are you...?"

One day Podi Hamuduruwo wanted me to see him, at a specific time. I went there as scheduled and saw him having a discussion with the then Minister Lalith Athulathmudali. I thought I will have to wait, till they finished their talk. No! Podi Hamuduruwo saw me and told the Minister, "Then Minister we will meet again, Jayawewa"

Podi Hamuduruwo treated people, all alike, whether big or small.

Recently a young woman was here at the temple with her small son. I was behind them.

"What in this temple amma...?" Child asked.

"Putha, this is the richest temple in this country", she replied.

Although the woman said that was the wealthiest temple, there were no comfortable chairs in the verandah, only two couches (Kavichchis) and short and small made cane chairs.

Podi Hamuduruwo, always used the short small chairs to sit.

Once when I visited the Gangaramaya library the Mahanayaka Thero of the Asgiriya Chapter who appeared to be not well was seated in an arm chair. Podi Hamuduruwo, like a real Podi Hamuduruwo was seated on a small wooden chair fanning the old Maha Nayaka Thera.

Renovations often takes place at Gangaramaya with no end visible.

One day I asked Rev. Assajee of Gangaramaya as to when the renovations are going to be over? He told me.....

Podi Hamuduruwo says, this cannot be finished during this life. Therefore he says he likes to re-born in Sri Lanka to complete all the work in the temple.

We have never heard anybody making this type of statement.

Podi Hamuduruwo completes 55 years of clergy life today. Next year it will fifty six. Before that he will send me to Burma. Then I hope to add more colourful experience in the next years write up.