What is Dekanduwala Meditation Centre used for?

Dekanduwala is a residential Dhamma training and meditation centre for bhikkhunis — fully ordained Buddhist nuns — in Horana, Sri Lanka. It provides instruction in Pali, the Tripitaka, counselling, temple management, and both the theory and practice of meditation. Lay practitioners and foreign visitors may also participate in certain aspects of centre life.

Who founded Dekanduwala Meditation Centre and when?

The centre was established in 1993 by Venerable Kirama Wimalajothi Thero. He founded it to address a gap in Sri Lanka's monastic education system — particularly to create a space where bhikkhunis could receive serious contemplative training rather than vocational religious education.

Can foreigners visit or stay at Dekanduwala?

Foreigners with a genuine interest in Theravada Buddhism and meditation are generally welcomed at Dekanduwala. However, the centre is a functioning monastic institution, not a tourist attraction or commercial retreat. It is strongly advisable to contact the centre in advance to arrange a visit and understand what participation is appropriate.

Where exactly is Dekanduwala Meditation Centre?

The centre is located in Kananwila, near Horana, in the Kalutara District of Sri Lanka's Western Province. It is approximately 40 to 50 kilometres south of Colombo and can be reached by private car or taxi in around one to one and a half hours.

Is Dekanduwala open to lay meditators, not just nuns?

Yes — the centre was deliberately designed to serve both monastics and lay practitioners, including overseas visitors. The extent of lay participation depends on the programmes running at any given time, so confirming in advance is recommended.

What should I wear when visiting a Buddhist monastery in Sri Lanka?

Both men and women should cover shoulders and knees. White clothing is considered respectful at many monastic sites. Remove footwear before entering any building or shrine room, and carry a scarf or shawl if you are uncertain about dress requirements at a specific location.

How is Dekanduwala different from a commercial meditation retreat in Sri Lanka?

Dekanduwala is a working monastic training institution, not a retreat centre designed around the needs of paying guests. Its programmes follow a long-term curriculum for bhikkhunis rather than short residential packages. Visitors come to observe, learn, and participate respectfully rather than to purchase a curated wellness experience.

Dekanduwala Meditation Centre

Some say that merely sitting on a wooden bench under the giant trees which shelter the Dekanduwala Dhamma Training and Meditation Centre for Bhikkunis in Kananwila, Horana and absorbing the surroundings feels like meditation in itself.

Sprawling across 20 acres, the meditation centre was established in 1993 by Ven. Kirama Wimalajothi Thero in filling the void of a meditation centre which could cater to both monks and lay people- local and foreign alike.

Here bhikkhunis are given a thorough grounding in the knowledge of the Tripitaka, languages such as Pali and English, counseling and temple management. Theory and practice of meditation is taught. Traditional education provided in colleges and universities is job-oriented with the result that Bhikkhus who pass out from such institutions disrobe and return to lay-life intent on taking up an occupation.