26 Oct 2026 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
One of Sir Cyril de Zoysa’s most enduring contributions was his role in establishing the Kalutara Bodhi Trust in 1951. The establishment of the Trust, reported to have taken place on 7 November that year, marked an important stage in the organised preservation and development of the sacred premises
His contribution also extended to the practical needs of pilgrims visiting Kataragama. During major religious festivals, especially the annual procession season, large numbers of devotees travel to the area. The provision of accommodation, lighting and other basic facilities can make an important difference to their experience
The significance of the YMBA lies in its role in promoting Buddhist values, education, discipline, community participation and social responsibility. Such organisations provide opportunities for young people to develop leadership skills while remaining connected to the ethical foundations of their religious and cultural heritage
Sir Cyril de Zoysa’s achievements were not confined to religious and educational activities. He also held positions of considerable public responsibility. His service as President of the Senate of Ceylon from 1955 to 1961 reflected his standing in public life and his involvement in the country’s parliamentary institutions
A Life Dedicated to the Buddha Sasana and the Public Good
The history of Sri Lanka’s Buddhist revival is enriched by the lives of individuals who transformed their personal convictions into lasting institutions of religious, educational and social significance. Among these distinguished figures, Sir Cyril de Zoysa occupies a place of exceptional importance. His life’s work is particularly associated with the Kalutara Bodhi, which has become one of Sri Lanka’s most recognisable Buddhist pilgrimage destinations. Today, devotees from across the country and overseas visit this sacred site to pay homage to the Bodhi tree and the magnificent stupa that forms an integral part of its religious landscape. Yet the development of the Kalutara Bodhi into the revered place it is today was not an automatic process. It required vision, determination, institutional organisation and sustained commitment.
As we reflect upon his life and achievements, Sir Cyril de Zoysa offers an enduring example of responsible leadership, compassionate service and devotion to the common good. His legacy reminds us that the true value of wealth, knowledge and public standing lies in how effectively these resources are used to benefit others.
From Humble Beginnings to a National Mission
Sir Cyril de Zoysa was born on 26 October 1896 in Balapitiya, Sri Lanka, to Solomon de Zoysa and Harriet de Abrew. His education included St. Thomas’ College, Matara, Richmond College, Galle, and Royal College, Colombo. He subsequently pursued legal studies and established himself as a lawyer and notary, becoming a respected member of the legal profession in the Kalutara area.
Sir Cyril’s work demonstrated these broader dimensions of generosity. He applied his legal knowledge to institutional development, used his influence to bring people together, mobilised resources for religious and educational purposes, and supported initiatives that continued to serve the public beyond his lifetime.
The Kalutara Bodhi: From a Sacred Tree to a National Buddhist Landmark
The Kalutara Bodhi occupies a special place in the religious consciousness of Sri Lankan Buddhists. Situated beside one of the country’s principal coastal transport routes, it has long attracted devotees travelling between Colombo and the southern regions of the island.
The Bodhi tree is itself one of the most significant symbols in Buddhism. It recalls the enlightenment of the Buddha and represents wisdom, liberation and the possibility of awakening. For Buddhists, paying homage to a Bodhi tree is therefore not merely an act of reverence towards a tree. It is an expression of respect for the Buddha, his teachings and the path to spiritual understanding.
Although individual details of such historical narratives should be assessed against documentary records, the broader significance of the story is clear. It reflects the determination of ordinary Buddhists to preserve their religious practices even when the surrounding circumstances were not favourable.
The Establishment of the Kalutara Bodhi Trust: Building for Future Generations
One of Sir Cyril de Zoysa’s most enduring contributions was his role in establishing the Kalutara Bodhi Trust in 1951. The establishment of the Trust, reported to have taken place on 7 November that year, marked an important stage in the organised preservation and development of the sacred premises.
A sustainable institution was therefore necessary to protect the Bodhi, maintain its surroundings, facilitate religious observances, manage resources responsibly and support activities connected with the wider propagation of Buddhism.
Among the individuals associated with the early trustee arrangements were Hema Basnayake, V. T. de Zoysa, P. F. A. Gunatilaka, Wilson de Silva, H. A. de Abrew and V. L. Wijemanne. Sir Ernest de Silva was also reportedly considered in connection with the leadership of the Trust.
The Kalutara Chaitya: Transforming Vision into a Lasting Monument
The development of this chaitya was a major undertaking that required planning, resources, technical expertise and the cooperation of many people. Sir Cyril de Zoysa played an important leadership role in advancing the vision for its construction and development.
A monument of this scale is never the achievement of one person alone. Architects, engineers, craftsmen, donors, religious leaders, administrators and devotees all contribute to its creation and preservation. Nevertheless, a project of this nature requires someone to articulate the vision, encourage participation and maintain commitment when progress is slow or resources are difficult to obtain.
The Wider Buddhist Revival: Anagarika Dharmapala and Sir Cyril de Zoysa
Sri Lanka’s modern Buddhist revival was a broad historical movement shaped by religious leaders, educators, reformers, philanthropists and community organisations. It sought to strengthen Buddhist education, protect cultural identity, improve the position of Buddhist institutions and renew public engagement with the Buddha’s teachings.
He helped turn the desire to protect Buddhist places into organised programmes of action. He supported educational initiatives and strengthened institutions through which Buddhist values could be communicated to younger generations.
In this sense, Sir Cyril de Zoysa’s legacy complements the wider Buddhist revival movement. He demonstrated how the principles promoted by religious reformers could be expressed through concrete institutional achievements.
Buddhist Youth Leadership and the Young Men’s Buddhist Association
He served in leadership positions within the organisation, including as its president. According to accounts associated with the Kalutara Bodhi Trust, he led the association from 1960 until his death in 1978.
The significance of the YMBA lies in its role in promoting Buddhist values, education, discipline, community participation and social responsibility. Such organisations provide opportunities for young people to develop leadership skills while remaining connected to the ethical foundations of their religious and cultural heritage.
These initiatives reflected his understanding that young people needed appropriate spaces, programmes and opportunities to participate meaningfully in public life.
Reviving the London Buddhist Vihara: Extending Buddhist Service Beyond Sri Lanka
One of the most remarkable aspects of Sir Cyril de Zoysa’s religious philanthropy was his involvement in the revival of the London Buddhist Vihara.
Following the closure of the vihara in 1940, the need to re-establish a functioning Buddhist centre became increasingly important. Such an institution could provide a place for monks to reside, enable religious observances to continue and facilitate the study of Buddhist teachings.
Sir Cyril reportedly undertook responsibility for the annual rent of £700 for a period of ten years. This commitment represented a substantial long-term undertaking, particularly because maintaining a Buddhist institution overseas involves responsibilities extending well beyond the initial establishment of a place of worship.
His support therefore contributed to the wider international presence of Buddhism.
Kataragama Kirivehera and the Welfare of Pilgrims
His contribution also extended to the practical needs of pilgrims visiting Kataragama. During major religious festivals, especially the annual procession season, large numbers of devotees travel to the area. The provision of accommodation, lighting and other basic facilities can make an important difference to their experience.
Sir Cyril supported efforts to improve facilities for pilgrims, including accommodation arrangements and the provision of a generator for electricity, together with related maintenance responsibilities.
Such service reflects the Buddhist principles of compassion and generosity. It recognises that religious responsibility includes caring for the physical circumstances in which people practise their faith.
Buddhist Education and the Establishment of Kalutara Vidyalaya
Education was another important dimension of Sir Cyril de Zoysa’s public service. He understood that the preservation of Buddhist heritage depended not only on religious buildings and ceremonial traditions but also on educating children and providing them with the knowledge necessary to contribute to society.
For Sir Cyril, education formed part of a larger vision of social advancement. Schools can strengthen literacy, improve employment opportunities, cultivate critical thinking and encourage responsible citizenship. They also provide an important setting in which cultural values and historical knowledge can be transmitted to younger generations.
By supporting educational opportunities, Sir Cyril helped connect religious commitment with the practical needs of society.
Hunupitiya Gangaramaya and the Importance of Spiritual Guidance
The history of Buddhist revival in modern Sri Lanka cannot be understood solely through the activities of individual philanthropists. It must also be viewed in relation to the work of the Sangha and the religious institutions that have guided Buddhist communities across generations.
Such institutions help preserve the teachings of the Buddha, train and guide monks, support Buddhist education, maintain cultural traditions and encourage charitable activities. They also provide spiritual guidance to laypeople and promote cooperation among individuals and organisations committed to the welfare of society.
Philanthropists can provide resources, lawyers can contribute professional knowledge, educators can develop learning opportunities and administrators can strengthen organisational structures. Yet the underlying purpose of these activities must remain connected to the spiritual and ethical principles they are intended to serve.
Public Leadership, Professional Integrity and Philanthropy
Sir Cyril de Zoysa’s achievements were not confined to religious and educational activities. He also held positions of considerable public responsibility. His service as President of the Senate of Ceylon from 1955 to 1961 reflected his standing in public life and his involvement in the country’s parliamentary institutions.
He was also awarded a knighthood by the British government, receiving the distinction of Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire, commonly abbreviated as KBE.
Such positions and honours are significant aspects of his biography. Nevertheless, they do not fully explain why his name remains closely associated with Buddhist philanthropy and the Kalutara Bodhi.
The Humanitarian Mission of the Kalutara Bodhi Trust
The Kalutara Bodhi Trust’s significance extends beyond the protection of a sacred site. Its continuing humanitarian and welfare activities reflect a broader understanding of the responsibilities associated with Buddhist institutions.
An organisation established to preserve religious heritage can also become a means of assisting people facing hardship. Such work is consistent with the Buddhist emphasis on generosity, compassion and the alleviation of suffering.
According to the Trust’s published information, its assistance is directed towards people in need without restricting support on the basis of ethnicity, caste or religion. This approach is important because humanitarian needs are not confined to a single community.
From Sir Cyril de Zoysa to Ajith de Zoysa: The Continuity of a Legacy
Sir Cyril de Zoysa passed away in 1978, but the institutions and responsibilities associated with his life have continued beyond him. The Kalutara Bodhi remains a major place of Buddhist pilgrimage, while the Trust continues to carry responsibilities relating to the preservation and administration of the sacred premises and the continuation of its wider service.
The preservation of the Kalutara Bodhi, the maintenance of its religious significance, the responsible administration of the Trust and the continuation of humanitarian activities are all part of this responsibility.
Ajith de Zoysa has also been associated with efforts to honour Sir Cyril’s memory, including bearing the cost of constructing a statue of Sir Cyril at Kataragama, according to the information provided about the project. Such commemorative initiatives can help introduce younger generations to the lives of individuals whose contributions shaped the country’s religious and social history.
Preserving the Past While Preparing for the Future
The history of the Kalutara Bodhi offers important lessons for the preservation of Buddhist heritage throughout Sri Lanka.
Sacred places are repositories of religious devotion, historical memory, cultural identity and collective experience. They connect generations, provide settings for spiritual practice and serve as reminders of the ethical traditions that have shaped communities over centuries.
In this respect, the story of Sir Cyril de Zoysa should be shared not merely as a record of past achievements but as a source of guidance for future leadership.
A Legacy That Continues to Illuminate the Path
His achievements reveal a consistent philosophy: faith must be accompanied by action, generosity must be directed towards genuine needs, and leadership must be exercised in the service of others.
His example reminds us that a sacred place becomes more than a physical landmark when it is protected through collective commitment and connected to a wider mission of education, compassion and social responsibility.
The most valuable inheritance we can leave future generations is not simply a collection of buildings, monuments or institutions. It is a living tradition of wisdom, generosity, compassion and responsibility.
Sir Cyril de Zoysa’s service continues to remind us that the preservation of the Buddha Sasana is a shared responsibility. It calls upon the Sangha, lay devotees, educators, philanthropists and public institutions to work together for the welfare of society and the continuity of the Buddha’s teachings.
All the content on this website is copyright protected and can be reproduced only by giving the due courtesy to 'dailymirror.lk' Copyright © 2004 Wijeya Newspapers Ltd.
Loading comments…