Our Bhikkhus

The chief incumbent of Texas Buddhist Vihara

On August 22, 2023, under the visionary leadership of Venerable Karamidule Sirirathana Thero, a new temple—Texas Buddhist Vihara—was established in San Antonio, Texas. To better serve the community in a serene and accessible environment, the Vihara was later relocated to a peaceful setting in Conroe, Texas, on April 23, 2024.

Prior to founding Texas Buddhist Vihara, Venerable Sirirathana Thero rendered invaluable service at Houston Buddhist Vihara, where he resided from 2017. During this time, he served as a dedicated Dhamma preacher and meditation instructor. His work was carried out under the guidance of Venerable Vijayapura Pannananda Thero, with blessings from the Most Venerable Pannila Sri Ananda Thero, and by invitation of Venerable Kamburagalle Nanda Thero and Venerable Professor Basnagoda Rahula Thero.

Venerable Karamidule Sirirathana Thero was born in the village of Karamidula, near Hewaheta in the Nuwara Eliya District of Sri Lanka’s Central Province. He entered the monastic life in 1994 at the age of 12, under the guidance of Venerable Pusulpitiya Dhammadassi Thero, Chief Incumbent of Medirigiriya Sri Vijayarama Viharaya in the Polonnaruwa District.

His education began at Sri Ananda Vidya Niketana Pirivena in Vijayapura-Medirigiriya, followed by secondary education at Vidyawansa Pirivena in Gampaha. He then pursued higher studies at Anuradhapura Agrasravaka Bhikkhu University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and later completed a Diploma in Buddhist Education. Additionally, he passed both the Dhamma School Dharmacharya Examination and the Dhamma School Teacher Examination.

Before coming to the United States, Venerable Sirirathana Thero founded Sri Sudarshanaramaya Viharaya in Elkaduwa, Matale, where he served as Chief Incumbent. He also served as a teacher at Sri Parakumbha Pirivena in Polonnaruwa. In 2017, he migrated to the United States to continue his noble mission of spreading the Dhamma.