Balangoda Ananda Maitreya Thero, Date of Birth, Place of Birth, Date of Death

Balangoda Ananda Maitreya Thero

Sri Lankan Buddhist monk (1896-1998)

Date of Birth: 23-Aug-1896

Place of Birth: Balangoda, Sabaragamuwa Province, Sri Lanka

Date of Death: 18-Jul-1998

Profession: monk

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Balangoda Ananda Maitreya Thero (Sinhala: ???? ??? ?????? ?????? ????? ???????? ????????;23 August 1896 – 18 July 1998) was a Sri Lankan scholar Buddhist monk and a personality of Theravada Buddhism in the twentieth century.
He was highly respected by Sri Lankan Buddhists, who believe that he achieved a higher level of spiritual development through meditation.
Sri Lankan Buddhists also considered Balangoda Ananda Maitreya Thero as a Bodhisattva, who will attain Buddhahood in a future life. Balangoda Ananda Maitreya Thero lived a modest life and did a great service for the propagation of Buddhist philosophy.
In recognition of his valuable service at the Sixth Buddhist council held in Burma, the Burmese government conferred on him the title "Agga Mahapandita" (Chief Great Scholar) in 1956.
Later in March 1997, the Burmese government conferred on Balangoda Ananda Maitreya Thero the highest Sangha title, "Abhidhaja Maharatthaguru" (Most Eminent Great Spiritual Teacher), which is equivalent to Sangharaja, in honor of his unique service to the Buddhist religion.