Lady Mallika Hewawitharana
Mother of Anagarika Dharmapala
Mallika Hewawitharana was a deeply devoted Buddhist and one of the strongest spiritual influences behind the life and mission of Anagarika Dharmapala. Through her loving guidance, disciplined upbringing, and unwavering faith in Buddhism, she shaped the moral character, compassion, and spiritual devotion of young David Hewavitarne, who later became the great Buddhist revivalist, Anagarika Dharmapala.
Mallika Hewawitharana was the daughter of Andhiris Perera Dharmagunawardene, a respected businessman and renowned Buddhist benefactor of Colombo. He donated land at Maligakanda and established the first Pirivena, or Buddhist monastic college, in Ceylon, later associated with Vidyodaya Pirivena and Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Maha Nayaka Thera.
As a devoted Buddhist, Mallika dedicated much of her wealth and energy towards the upliftment of Buddha Sasana. She paid special attention to the activities of the Maha Bodhi Society and actively supported her son’s mission for the revival of Buddhism in India. Her contributions were especially connected with the development of Mulagandhakuti Vihara at Sarnath.
Her compassionate guidance, sacrifice, and spiritual strength became a foundation for Anagarika Dharmapala’s lifelong dedication to Buddhism and humanity.