The Staten Island Buddhist Vihara Meditation Center & Healing Garden is a Sri Lankan Buddhist temple that practices the Theravada tradition. The temple was established in July 1999 with the help of the Sri Lankan community on Staten Island. Bhante Kondanna, the headmaster of the SIBV, a student of Venerable Nayaka Theras of Colombo Gangarama Viharaya is conducting the services of the temple from its beginning under the guidance of Kurunegoda Piyatissa Nayaka Maha Thera, whom is the chief executive of the New York Buddhist Vihara (NYBV). Since the beginning of the SIBV, the temple has been giving its services to not only the Sri Lankan community, but also to all other companions who need our services. As one of the important members of the ‘Building Bridges’ SIBV is doing a service to build friendship among other religious communities with other religious leaders. We’re glad that we were able to help the New Yorkers during the 9/11 tragedies. We very much appreciate your benefaction during the 2004 Tsunami disaster in Sri Lanka. We’d especially like to thank our 9/11 friends including all of New York and it’s wonderful people.
Rev. Heenbunne Kondañña
Bhante Kondañña is a Sri Lankan Buddhist Monk. He received his novice ordination in 1968, his monastic training in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and a BA in Buddhist Philosophy from University of Kelaniye also in Sri Lanka. In 1985, he came to USA to participate and also provide his helpful skills and services at the New York Buddhist Vihara. During that time, the dignified Kondanna began to attend classes at CUNY and now holds a BS in Social Work. Moreover in 1997, he obtained a MSW from Fordham University in New York.
Bhante Kondanna believes that human beings should grow up having a spiritual foundation. He hopes that his contributions, experiences and philosophy enrich and enhance the lives of everyone here in New York City, and wherever he wishes to bring his proficiency
Rev. Pinnagala Pangnatissa
Bhante Pangnatissa is a Sri Lankan Buddhist monk who follows the Theravada tradition. In 1976, he got his ordination under the guidance of Bhante Panane Saddhatissa who is an asomatous teacher. He graduated from the university of Peradeniya in 1992. From 1993, he worked as a Sinhalese teacher in Sri Dharmananda Pirivena Balangoda till 2001. In the year 2000, he got his master’s degree from the University of Kelaniya. In 2001, he came to America with an invitation from Bhante Kondanna. He has been a resident monk at the SIBV in New York ever since. He has continued to conduct services to the Vihara community. Later in 2013, he earned his bachelor's degree in computer science from The College of Staten Island City University of New York.
Rev. Neluwe Ratanatissa
Venerable Bhante Neluwe Ratanatissa received his ordination in 1966 from the Maha Bodhi Society in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Following 5 years of missionary work, he moved to Maha Bodhi Society of India, Kolkata in 1971. In 1983, Bhante Ratanatissa was selected as the head priest of the Sri Lanka Buddhist Center in Japan. He moved to the United States in 1990 and his contributions and experiences enhanced the lives of everyone in the Minnesota, Maryland & New Yorek tmples.
Rev Kumbaloluwe Wimalajothi
Bhante Kumbaloluwe Wimalajothi was born in Matale, Sri Lanka who ordained as a Buddhist monk in 1982 under the most venerable Bogambara Chandajothi Maha Thera. He received his higher ordination on May 14, 1987 in Asgiriya Maha Viharaya Kanday, Sri Lanka. He also had primary religious education and training at the Dharmaraja Buddhist Institute in Matale. Bhante Wimalajothi received secondary and higher education at Vidyarathna Visva Vidyapitaya Horana in Sri Lanka. He has served as a teacher in monk training center when he finished his training there. He then came to USA to join Staten Island Buddhist Vihara in 2009 with the invitation of Banthe Kondanna. Currently he is doing a diploma in social work in College of Staten Island.