A novice monk who entered the Buddhist monastic order a few years ago through the 'Hiru Shasanawatharana' annual programme has achieved outstanding results in this year’s Pirivena Ordinary Level Examination, securing 8 A passes.

The achievement was recorded by Venerable Ambagahapatane Udayananda Thera, who is currently studying at Saraswathi Pirivena in Badulla.

'Hiru Shasanawatharana' annual programme is an initiative launched under the visionary concept of Hiru Media Network Chairman Rayynor Silva to ordain children into the Sangha.

Udayananda Thera entered the monastic order in 2022 at the Mahiyangana sacred site under the Hiru Shasanawatharana programme.

Over the past 14 years, around 200 monks have been ordained through the initiative, with Hiru Media Network Chairman Rayynor Silva providing full financial support for their education and welfare as their lay guardian.

Commenting on his achievement, Venerable Udayananda Thera said:
“At present, I have sat for the Pirivena final examination and obtained 8 A passes and one C pass. I am continuing my studies. I initially studied at Badulla Demodara Sri Saraswathi Pirivena. I am currently studying Pali and Sanskrit languages. I entered monastic life through the Hiru Shasanawatharana programme in 2022 at Mahiyangana. This programme played a major role in my ordination and education.”