Sri Lanka, Sept. 19 -- The 161st birth anniversary of the late Anagarika Dharmapala was commemorated with a special ceremony at the Sawara Lanka Ji Viharaya in Japan on September 17, organised by the temple's Chief Incumbent and the Sri Lanka Maha Bodhi Society's Chairman, Venerable Banagala Upatissa Nayaka Thera, along with other monks and the temple's lay devotees.

Anagarika Dharmapala, who was later ordained as Venerable Sri Devamitta Dhammapala Thera, was a pivotal figure in the revival of Buddhism in India. He founded the Mahabodhi Society and led the movement to reclaim Buddhist holy sites, including Bodh Gaya and Saranath. He also initiated a significant national, religious, and cultural renaissance in Sri Lanka.

During the cerem...